Ferid Celosmanovic scored twice for 14th-ranked Chico State as the Wildcats took a 2-0 decision over the Cal State Stanislaus men’s soccer team at Warrior Stadium on Sunday.
With the setback, the Warriors suffer their first loss of the season and are now 3-1 overall and 1-1 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.
Chico State rebounded from its home loss on Friday to Sonoma State as the divisional favorites improved to 2-1-1 overall and 1-1 in conference play.
Chico State, which played in the NCAA tournament a year ago, proved to be tough and physical. However, the Warriors were called on more fouls (20-15) and cautions (2-0).
A foul just inside the box in the 13th minute against the Warriors led to the match's first goal with Celosmanovic converting on a penalty kick
Celosmanovic, a 2010 All-American, gave Chico State a 2-0 lead in the 29th minute. He bent a free kick on the near touch line into the net.
Offensively, otherwise, the teams were evenly matched with nine shots each side. Bill Hambelton collected one save off of three Chico shots on goal. The Warriors won the corner kick battle, 7-5.
Cal State Stanislaus will now have to play the next five matches on the road for the rest of the month. That stretch begins this weekend when the Warriors travel to Cal State L.A. and Cal State Dominguez Hills.