The battle for first place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association North Division between host Chico State and Cal State Stanislaus turned into a battle for a single goal Friday afternoon at University Soccer Stadium.
After 77 minutes of scoreless action, both teams scored in the 78th minute of what turned out to be a 1-1 draw.
Cal State Stanislaus kept its one-point lead atop the North Division standings with the results. The Warriors are 5-1-3 overall and 4-1-2 in the CCAA for 14 points. Chico State, unbeaten in three straight, is now 4-3-2 overall and 4-2-1 in the CCAA.
Sonoma State, the Warriors' opponent on Sunday at Warrior Stadium, is also 4-2-1 in the CCAA with 13 points. The Seawolves are coming off a 1-0 win at Humboldt State on Thursday.
Karenee Demery scored the match's first goal at 77:16 to put the Warriors on top 1-0. The goal was a stunning strike from 15 yards out after receiving a pass from Bernie Bettencourt.
However, that lead did not last long.
Chico State answered back 43 seconds later when Kasey Wall volleyed a Carly Singer corner kick for the equalizer at 77:59.
The teams played an even match for the rest of the match for the draw.
Cal State Stanislaus out-shot Chico State 13-8 in regulation, including a 4-1 first half advantage. The match ended with a 15-12 shot advantage for CSUS.
Millie Brown picked up three saves for the Warriors while Chico goalkeeper Brianna Furner recorded five.
The match against Sonoma State on Sunday is at 11:30 a.m.