HAYWARD, Calif. - Cal State East Bay men's soccer team battled to a 1-1 draw against No. 21 Chico State in a crucial CCAA match Friday evening at Pioneer Stadium.

Cal State East Bay struck first in the 11th minute when Ezekiel Anaya capitalized on a rebound from Bennett Richards' initial shot. Anaya's goal, his second of the season, gave the Pioneers a 1-0 advantage they would carry into halftime.

Chico State equalized in the 55th minute as Miles Rice headed home a cross from Owen Vasta, knotting the score at 1-1. Despite both teams pushing for a winner, neither could find the back of the net in the remaining time.

• The Pioneers outshot the Wildcats 15-9, including a 6-3 advantage in shots on goal.
• Anaya led the offensive charge for Cal State East Bay with a team-high three shots.
• Goalkeeper Adan Corona made two crucial saves to preserve the draw for the home side.

Cal State East Bay: 4-7-4, 3-3-3 CCAA (12 points - 7th place)
No. 21 Chico State: 10-2-4, 4-1-4 CCAA (16 points - 4th place)

With the draw, Cal State East Bay now sits alone in seventh place in the CCAA standings with 12 points, just one point behind Stanislaus State for the final CCAA Tournament spot. The Pioneers have two regular season matches remaining to secure their postseason berth, including a crucial match on Sunday against Stanislaus State.
 

Cal State East Bay will conclude its 2024 home schedule on Sunday, November 3, hosting Stanislaus State in a match with significant playoff implications. Kickoff at Pioneer Stadium is set for 2 p.m.