ROHNERT PARK, Calif-  Emily Thompson scored in the 86th minute to lead Sonoma State to a thrilling 1-0 win over Chico State on Friday afternoon at Seawolf Field.  The win moves the Seawolves into a first place tie with the Wildcats at 5-1-0 in conference play.  The victory also had special meaning for head coach Luke Oberkirch as he moved past Peter Reynaud to become SSU's all-time winningest women's soccer coach (147 wins).

Sonoma State stands at 7-3-0 overall.  The Wildcats drop to 5-2-2.

Said Oberkirch, "we played good against an excellent opponent.  Both teams were tired down the stretch, but we gutted it out and got a great goal on a nice set piece."

The game looked destined for overtime as neither team was able to capitalize on the opportunities given.  With just under four minutes to go before OT, Lindsay Catton took advantage of a free kick at about 20 yards from the net.  The freshman from Rohnert Park sent a perfectly placed kick straight ahead to Thompson, who headed past the Chico goalkeeper.

Oberkirch remarked, "this team is really coming together."

The shot total was even at 10, but Sonoma State committed far more fouls, 16-5.  Chico took eight corner kicks to SSU's five. 

Carissa Amiral continue her stellar goalkeeping, recording her third shutout in four starts.  She has yet to give up a goal in 365 minutes this season. 

The Seawolves return to action on Sunday when they host Cal State Stanislaus.

Box Score