The 2010 Wildcats, who finish the year 15-7-0, will forever be remembered as champions of the West Regional and proud bearers of the California Collegiate Athletic Association North Division crown. And if Head Coach Felipe Restrepo has his way, they’ll also be remembered for planting the seeds that helped the Wildcats grow into a perennial national title contender.
“I couldn’t be more proud of a group or more excited about where our program is headed,” said the third-year coach. “For these guys to accomplish what they have in three years is unbelievable. Guys like (seniors) Zach Bradford, Ryan Nevarez, Ross Judge, Josh Johnson and Leo Zarate have pointed us in the right direction and helped propel us to where we eventually want to be. When we do get there they will be a big reason why.”
The Wildcats want to get where unbeaten Midwestern State is headed. David Freeland’s three goals were more than enough to motor the Mustangs into the Final Four.
Freeland scored just 40 seconds into the match and the Mustangs were off and running in the rain that fell for much of the match. Midwestern State, now 19-0-2 and ranked No. 2 in the nation, will face the winner of the Rollins/Clayton State match that kicked off at 7 PM EST, to open the 2010 NCAA Championship Final Four in Louisville, Kentucky, Dec. 2.
Freeland took a turnover deep in Chico State’s end and dribbled directly toward the right post before hammering a line drive toward the far post from 15 yards for a 1-0 Mustangs lead just 40 seconds into the match. He struck again in the eighth minute, outrunning the defense for Bryce Taylor’s counter ball down the left flank. This time he deftly slid a ball through the narrow window between the near post and goalkeeper for a 2-0 lead.
Freeland completed his hat trick just 2:14 into the second half, redirecting Chad Caldwell’s flick with a header past the charging goalkeeper from 15 yards.
“If we score quickly we just seem to keep it going,” said Freeland following the Mustangs’ first hat trick since 2007. “We just build momentum and gain confidence. We’ve been looking forward to the Final Four all year.”
Chris Dwyer and VcMor Eligwe also scored for Midwestern State, which has now outscored its opposition 66-11 on the season.
“I felt confident that we matched up well with them,” said Mustangs Head Coach Doug Elder, the lone remaining remnant from Chico State’s 2003 National Quarterfinal victory against Midwestern State in Wichita Falls, Tex. “I felt they would have problems with our attack, but I didn't think it would turn out quite like this. These boys just keep surprising me."
Chico State surprised a lot of people this season. The Wildcats were picked to finish third in the six-team California Collegiate Athletic Association North Division prior to the season. But they went on to win the North. They then knocked off 17th-ranked Sonoma State to reach the championship game of the West Regional where they scored twice in the final 3:46 to shock seventh-ranked Grand Canyon 2-1.
Saturday’s result and the dark clouds and rain that have engulfed the Chico area throughout the day blur the vision of those victories right now. But Chico State soccer fans everywhere will remember these Wildcats as a fierce and brave bunch that accomplished more than expected and may have helped elevate the program into the nation’s elite for years to come.
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