ARCATA – After Humboldt State had its best start to a game—scoring in the first two minutes—the Jacks could not hold onto the lead and suffered a 2-1 defeat to Chico State.

Humboldt State drops to 5-12-0 overall, 4-11-0 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association, entering the Jacks' last game of the season on Sunday. Chico State improves to 11-3-3 overall, 10-3-2 in conference.

"To be honest, it was the tale of two halves," said head coach C.J. Johnson. "Our game plan of playing more direct certainly gave us opportunities in the first half—one of which we capitalized on. In the second half, unfortunately we got away from the game plan we asked of our young team. We struggled in the midfield, especially in the second half and I think that was the difference."

Two forwards and a goalkeeper combined to put the Jacks up on the board first. Just a minute and a half into the contest, Kyle Verle booted a punt past the half line, which Ray Lind flicked on. Brian holmes collected the flick and slipped the ball past goalkeeper Sam Evans.

The Jacks continued to put the pressure on the Wildcat defense, but bodies kept getting in the way or HSU just put a little too much on it to send it wide of the net. Dan Mariani had a rocket for a shot in the fifth minute that snuck by the post. Three other chances for Humboldt State to go up 2-0 were blocked by the Chico State players. 

Chico State turned the momentum around right before halftime when Cody Levar scored in the 40th minute. The Jacks could not get a good clear out the box, giving the Wildcats a chance at the scramble in the box. Evan Johnston connected with Levar for the equalizer to send the teams tied at 1-1 heading into halftime.

HSU found itself on its heels at the start of the second half and gave up four corners in the first five minutes of the half.

In the 51st minute, Adam Black stunned the Jacks, sending a pass from Tyson Crim up and over Verle. The ball bounced back out, but the sideline referee saw the ball cross the line, resulting in the goal.

"We're looking forward to reviewing the game film," said Johnson. "The first goal looked like it was offside so it was questionable and our team isn't convinced the second goal crossed the line."

The Jacks continued to create scoring opportunities, but could not get past a physical Chico State defense. Both teams continued to battle, but Johnson didn't feel his team was awarded the same fouls as the Wildcats. 

"If our forwards had been shown equal respect on called fouls, it would have been an interesting second half," said Johnson. "Losing Zach Hammond to an ankle injury from an uncalled foul, as well as Jordan Zogg from another physical play, didn't help our game plan. Zach was being very dangerous and has scored most of our goals and Zogg was serving great through balls."

Humboldt State will look to rebound and finish the season on a high note as it hosts Cal State Stanislaus on Sunday at 2 p.m. The game will be an opportunity to honor the three seniors and gives fans the chance to help set the record for attendance at College Creek Field.