BOX SCORE

SEASIDE, Calif. — The Cal State Monterey Bay men's soccer team made high-flying Chico State work hard for its three points. But three points is what the Wildcats walked away with after Akwafei Ajeakwa's 55th minute tap in gave Chico a 1-0 victory Sunday at the Otter Sports Complex.

The result was just, but probably a bit unfair to CSUMB freshman goalkeeper Evan Drake, who kept the Otters in the match with a brilliant first half and came within an unfortunate bounce in the second half of earning his second clean sheet in four starts. Drake not only made five saves but displayed poise and courage in weathering a Chico storm that could have deluged a lesser effort.

“Evan did really well today. He was vocal and organized and kept us in it,” said CSUMB Head Coach Rob Cummings. “He's the future in goal and now he needs to take these last five matches and really build on what he's done so far.”

Chico used its superior athleticism to put the Otter defense under tremendous early pressure. But Drake kept the net secure until the Otter offense began to find its footing after the first 15 minutes.

CSUMB didn't put a shot on frame in the first period, but narrowly missed a great scoring chance in the 28th minute when a long Dylan Niven service in open play just missed the head of Servando Perez, whose diagonal run freed him in the box 10 yards from goal.

With Drake solid and Chico's offense rhythm disrupted by the coordination of the Otter back four, the teams went to the interval in a scoreless tie.

But Chico finally got the opportunity—and the fortunate bounce—it needed eight minutes after the restart. Following some good prep work, Matt Hurlow got around the right edge of the Otter back four and forced Drake to come off his line. Drake's challenge was both brave and effective, forcing Hurlow's close range shot from the right flank to curl into the far post.

Instead of deflecting away from danger, however, the ball caromed lightly back into the goalmouth and Ajeakwa's finish unwrapped the gift for his fourth goal of the season.

With more than a half hour left to play, the Otters remained composed as they continually pushed forward in search of an equalizer. They created their best scoring opportunity in the 67th minute when George Plakorus, Niven and Max Brixey worked to get the ball to Eric Pratt in tight quarters near the top of the Wildcat penalty area. But Pratt's effort went just wide.

“I told the boys after the game, 'when you don't shoot on frame, you can't win the game,'” said Cummings. “Our scorers from last season are still here, but offensively it hasn't happed for us. But there's a lot of soccer left to be played and we're committed to finding the answer.”

The win lifted Chico's record to 6-2-3 overall and 5-1-3 in the conference, keeping the Wildcats in first place in the CCAA North Division. CSUMB dips to 1-9-0 and 1-8-0.

The Otters will face a light week, getting five days of preparation for their lone match at Sonoma State Saturday afternoon.