The Orion Online

Issue date: 8/27/08 Section: Sports

Aug. 30, 2008

Despite a lackluster first half of play, the Wildcats rallied in a big way to bookend their preseason with another win, shutting out Holy Names University 3-0, Friday at home.

Though there was an offensive drought in the first half, midfield battling over possession was intense from start to finish.

Solid defensive work by defender, Byron Salata and goalkeeper, Michael Koehane kept the Hawks off the scoreboard despite the visitor's powerful offensive attack ability.

The first goal of the game came late in the first half from a penalty kick by Chico State junior forward Evan Armstrong, which brought his preseason goals to three, after scoring two in the opener against Yuba College.

The fluidity of the game was somewhat marred by the dozens of fouls on both sides, leaving Holy Name's head coach to keep a solid mantra of "don't foul, don't foul, don't foul," to himself when his Hawks were pressing on defense.

One of the highlights of the night was on a long goal by junior midfielder, Kyle Crain, his second of the night. Crain blew past a defender on the far left side, roughly 30 yards downfield, and took a powerful shot, which went beyond of the reach of the diving Hawks goalkeeper, and the ball found its mark in the upper-right v of the far post.

Crain then went on to partially pull off his jersey while howling in celebration and sprint over to his then-standing and cheering teammates to receive a well-deserved round of high-fives and pats on the back along the sideline.

"That was such a sweet shot," said teammate Armstrong. "It was one of the best shots I've seen."

The 'Cats go on the road to open up season play against Seattle University on Sept. 6.

Julian Williamson can be reached at Jwilliamson@theorion.com

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