Sept. 6, 2002
Final Stats
CHICO, Calif. - Western Washington University scored early and late in the second half and defeated Chico State University, 2-0, in men's soccer action Friday.
The Vikings improved to 2-2-0 on the season with their second consecutive victory. Chico State fell to 0-2-0.
"We didn't have our A game," said Western coach Travis Connell, "but we played great defense, weathered the storm, counter attacked and got those goals."
Defender Joel Saulter (Jr., Edmonds/Blanchet) opened the scoring a little less than seven minutes into the second half, heading home a free kick from midfielder Filomon Afenegus (So., Spokane/North Central). Then with just under seven minutes left, midfielder Paul Nissley (So., Mount Vernon) scored an insurance goal, tapping into an open net after a cross from midfielder Kory Pope (Fr., Everett/Jackson) eluded Chico State goalkeeper Dustin Eastment. Western goalkeeper Ben Dragavon (Fr., Monroe) made four saves in earning his first collegiate shutout.
"Saulter had his best game as a Viking," Connell said. "He really organized the defense, won every ball in the back, and then scored the winning goal ... Dragavon made a number of quality saves to keep us in the match."
Chico State, which had a 23-16 advantage in shot attempts, had its comeback hopes lessened when Jesse Grigg was sent off for a second yellow card 33 seconds after Nissley's goal. It was one of seven yellow cards issued in the game.
Western completes in five-game road swing through Northern California on Sunday (12 noon) against nationally No.10-ranked UC Davis.
