Box Score CHICO – For the second time this season, Humboldt State had to play a significant part of a game without Jordan Zogg against one of the leading teams in the California Collegiate Athletic Association North Division. Despite the player disadvantage, the Jacks still created scoring chances, but could not finish them in a 2-0 loss to Chico State Sunday afternoon.

With the loss, Humboldt State stands at 2-7-0, 2-6-0 in the CCAA. Chico State improves to 5-2-3 overall, 4-2-2 in conference. The Jacks return to College Creek Field for Parents' Weekend where they'll take on South Division leaders Cal State Dominguez Hills Friday at 3 p.m. and Cal State Los Angeles Sunday at 2 p.m.

"For as young as we are, we did very well," said head coach C.J. Johnson. "We held our own. We're definitely a different team than we were three weeks ago. We're starting to click."

Ferid Celosmanovic put the Wildcats on the board in the 21st minute, heading in a cross from Evan Johnston.

Just nine minutes later, Zogg received his second yellow card of the match, ejecting him from the game and leaving the Jacks with 10 players to the Wildcats' 11 with 60 minutes left to play.

"I think going down a man was the difference of the game," said Johnson. "But even though we were a man down, we still had scoring chances, generated opportunities and were able to possess the ball. We just couldn't quite play our game due to numbers."

The Jacks numbers were also limited in the midfield due to injuries and sicknesses. Peter Darquea received a knock to the head that left him out of the game for a portion of the second half. Younger players had to step it up to fill vacant positions, including Sam Wahl—who saw his first collegiate action.

"Everyone did their part to keep us in the game," said Johnson. "It really was a team effort against a very quality team."

The second goal was unfortunate for Humboldt State when the ball deflected off a defender into the net. Kyle Verle had come out to challenge a breakaway with Chris Akwaja, as his defenders were tracking back to help protect the goal, but the defense got caught facing their own net and the ball hit off a Lumberjack's head to put the Wildcats up 2-0.

"I think there's been huge growth and improvement and maturing by the team, which is important going forward," said Johnson. "We still have eight games and I think we're very capable of being dangerous and competing well in those games."