ROHNERT PARK, Calif-  Despite a season-high 27 shots attempted, the Sonoma State men's soccer team had to settle for a 1-1 tie on Sunday afternoon in a physical match with longtime rival Chico State.  The teams would combine for 44 fouls and five yellows, but in the end would share the points on an overcast day in Rohnert Park.  The Seawolves, ranked No. 11 in the nation, stay unbeaten on the season at 4-0-2, 1-0-1 CCAA.  The Wildcats go to 4-1-1, 1-0-1 CCAA.

Sonoma came out strong in the first half, though it would not be until the 34th minute that they would break through.  The game's opening goal was scored at 33:58 by freshman Jomed Tejan on a nice up field pass by sophomore Cory Taufer.  It was the team-leading third goal of the year for the rookie from Rancho Santa Margarita.

Said head coach Marcus Ziemer, "I felt we played very well in the first half.  We came out strong and really dominated the first 45."

The Seawolves would hold their lead through the end of the first half, but early in the second, Chico would counter.  In the 51st minute, Luis Martinez rocketed a shot that glanced off a Sonoma defender, past the goalkeeper and into the net for his first goal of the season.

The Chico defense would tighten in the second half and after leading 14-4 in shots in the first half, Sonoma would hold just a narrow 9-8 advantage in the second.  The Seawolves would take four shots to three for the Wildcats in the overtime periods.

"Chico did a good job in the second half.  They were able to step up the pressure and keep us from scoring," said Ziemer.  "I thought we could have had another goal several times."

Michael Keohane had a nice day in the net for Chico, making 11 saves.  His counterpart, All-American Brook Johnson, was just as stingy, though he needed to make just three saves, thanks to a solid effort by the Sonoma State defense.

For the game, Sonoma would lead in shots (27-15) and corner kicks (8-7).  Chico would have a 24-20 edge in fouls and a 3-2 lead in yellow cards.

"This was a great game between two great rivals," said Ziemer, "it really could have gone either way." 

The Seawolves will continue CCAA play nexzt weekend when they head south to take on Cal Poly Pomona (Friday) and Cal State San Bernardino (Sunday).

Box Score:  No. 11 Sonoma State 1, Chico State 1