The Gators men’s soccer team were wearing their game faces on Sunday afternoon, as they fidgeted under a warm sun an hour before kickoff, thinking about their rivalry against the Chico State Wildcats. SF State would go on to defeat Chico, 3-0, in one of their best games of the season.

For the first time the Gators looked sharp over the full 90 minutes, dominating in the midfield, thanks in part to freshmen Scottie Hand’s energetic play. He did, however, make one glaring error giving away a ball that led to the Wildcats best chance to score, but the Gator’s defense rose to the occasion.

Goalkeeper Gabe Hall played excellent in goal, while teammate, midfielder Grant Hauxhurst made an early relief appearance for the Gators in the win over the Wildcats.

Hall made a number of tough saves. Hall deflected the Wildcats Rusty Phillip’s hard-hit around the post in the third minute. He kept playing aggressively through out the entire 90 minutes and didn’t give up a goal.

Hauxhurst put in a well-rounded effort. He came into the game frustrated the Wildcats with his strong defense, blocking a goal in the 17th minute.

“We played very well on defense and put out a great win against a superb team in Chico State,’’ said Hauxhurst. “We weren’t at full strength today because of the game against Sonoma State Friday, however, we did a wonderful job hanging in there and finding a way to get a winning result.’’

Another key in the Gators defense came from junior Paul Carter, who knifed through several Wildcat offensive players to help defend a shot in the last two minutes of the first half.

“Defensively, we know we can handle a good attacking team,” head coach Joe Hunter said. “The key is now that we do it consistently; we showed today what we are capable of. We have not beaten Chico in a long time, and if we can finish are last two games on top with hopes of making the playoffs, then we can celebrate, but we still have a long road ahead.’’

On the offensive side of the ball the Wildcats were no match for the Gators.

Sophomore Steven Reed ripped through several of the Wildcat defenders to score the Gator’s first goal four minutes into the game.

Teammates Chris Martinez and Mark Cipolla both scored goals to give the Gators a 3-0 lead in the first half of action.

“It was a great win for us,’’ said Martinez. “Our team’s effort was outstanding today, especially on offense and it’s our last home game and we had to go out with a bang.’’

“All we need is for Sonoma State to beat Chico, and we can make it to the playoffs…. I believe that we have a good chance of making it,’’ he added.

“Playing our last game at home is always a test for everyone,’’ said junior Roy Phillips. “Our defense had stepped up and played hard and we stayed focus, never losing our insight to win the game.’’

“We needed this win because it gave us our momentum back and now we have our final two games, and if we can hopefully get those six extra points, we might have an interesting situation and that is to make a run at the playoffs,’’ said Hunter.