HAYWARD, CALIF. - On Sunday, October 23rd, the Sonoma State men's soccer team came from behind for the third straight game and were able to take all three on the road points behind goals from
Patrick Neill and
Michael Gray. The Seawolves have shown resiliency all season long with their talented depth and young core and they did so again on Sunday afternoon as they scored two late goals in the first half to beat Cal State East Bay 2-1.
The team's three game unbeaten streak has propelled them to the top half of the conference standings as they currently sit in a tie for fifth place with nationally ranked Chico State. The Seawolves stand five points clear from Cal State East Bay who are on the outside looking in as of today, so head coach
Marcus Ziemer and his squad will look to punch their ticket to their third straight CCAA Tournament in their final three games.
Sophomore winger
Patrick Neill has started to flex his offensive impact as he has scored twice in the last three games and has emerged as the team's top penalty taker. He got the scoring started in the 32nd minute with his fourth goal of the season to tie the game at one.
Roughly 12 minutes later, the offensive pressure would continue for the Seawolves with multiple chances and a pair of corner kicks as East Bay was looking to get out of the half with the game still tied. Off a corner kick in the final minute,
Patrick Neill would whip a ball into the back post where fellow sophomore
Michael Gray would be left unmarked and send a first time volley into the back of the net for his first goal of the season. Gray connected beautifully with the inside of his right foot to beat the Pioneers keeper and give Sonoma State the lead just before the half.
Despite an early goal from the Pioneers, the Seawolves controlled much of the game and went on to outshoot East Bay 17-12. The entire back line for Sonoma State would play all 90 minutes including center backs
Lucas English and
Ian Reis. Five different players would finish the game with a pair of shots including freshmen
Barry Cahalane and
Oscar Palmerin. Goalkeeper
Jack Chapman would get his 6th start of the season and make three saves in the contest, bringing his season total to 23. Sonoma State now has 9 wins over the Pioneers in their last 11 meetings dating back to 2013.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Seawolves improved to 6-6-3 overall and 4-3-1 in conference play after their 2-1 road victory over Cal State East Bay. They will finish the 2023 regular season with three straight home matches starting on Friday, October 27th. They will take on the first place team in the CCAA in Cal State LA at 3:00 PM. Live stats and ticket links can be found at sonomaseawolves.com and you can also stream the game LIVE on the CCAA Network.
Be sure to follow your Seawolves on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get all the latest SSU athletics updates and information. Sonoma State athletics also has launched a new fan app in partnership with From Now On. Download the free app today in both the Apple and Google Play stores by searching Sonoma State Seawolves in the app store. @SonomaSeawolves | #NomaNation
