ROHNERT PARK, CALIF.- In their final game at Seawolf Soccer Field Sonoma State Men's Soccer not only honored a pair of senior captains but also put on a show for their home crowd. Despite light rain and a gritty matchup, the Seawolves pulled out the win to put an exclamation point on their final home game of the 2024 season.
Before the first kickoff of the day Sonoma State honored the duo of Jvon Cunningham and Lucas English. Both players have spent the 2024 season serving as captains and leaders of the team. Cunningham has played in 47 games, earned 34 starts and has seen action in over 2700 minutes for Sonoma. His 2023 season was outstanding with a team high three assists to go along with four goals and two game winners. Meanwhile, for four years Lucas English has been a mainstay on the Seawolves defensive line. Not only has he appeared in 63 three games for Sonoma State but English has eclipsed 1100 minutes played in each of his first three seasons.
Once play got underway it did not take long for Sonoma State to get on the scoreboard. Cunningham was able to slice his way through the Gators back line before sending over a perfectly placed cross towards the back post. Cunningham's ball would find an uncovered Michael Gray who would simply tap the ball into the net. It would be Gray's third goal of the season and Cunningham's second assist.
The boys remained aggressive throughout as they ended the match with 16 shots, seven of which were on goal. It would take awhile but Sonoma kept the pressure on the Gators thanks to another goal, this time coming off the foot of freshman standout Alejandro Verdugo. The action got started with Alejandro Zarate taking a shot on goal that was defended and cleared by the Gators. Yet, Zarate remained locked in and was able to get a touch on the ricochet. He was able to find a wide open Verdugo and made a pass that led to another quick tap-in for the Seawolves! Verdugo has enjoyed a breakout of sorts having now scored a pair of goals in the teams last four games.
Lastly, starting goalkeeper Jack Chapman deserves plenty of recognition for his play defending the net. The Arizona native recorded his second clean sheet of the season thanks to some outstanding saves. Between diving saves and punching multiple corner kicks away, Chapman anchored a stout Seawolves defense for 90 shutout minutes.
The boys have finished their slate of home games for the year. They now turn their attention to three more road games against CCAA opponents to wrap up their 2024 regular season. The first game on the docket will be a visit to San Bernardino on November 1st!
