After tasting their first California Collegiate Athletic Association action last weekend, Humboldt State sets its sights on returning to the win column at home this weekend in a pair of matches.
The Lumberjacks will entertain the Pioneers of Cal State East Bay on Friday before facing the Warriors of Cal State Stanislaus on Sunday afternoon.
Jacks first home match
For the first time in 23 months, the Jacks return to their home College Creek Field this Friday.
After not having a season last year, HSU will entertain a pair of opponents. The last men's soccer home match came on October 30, 2011 when Cal State Stanislaus, which is Sunday's foe, shut out HSU, 1-0.
Hammond holding scoring punch
The elder statesman of the Jacks' team, Zach Hammond has exerted himself to the scoring front over the opening four contests.
Hammond posted three goals in the two contests. The forward connected for the squad's first two of its three scores at Cal State Monterey Bay. He followed up the two-goal game with HSU's lone score in a double overtime tie at San Francisco State.
The senior has now totaled four goals and eight points in four contests. He has also produced a team-best 17 shots and 11 shots on goals to this point of the season.
In 2011, Hammond led HSU with seven goals, six assists and 20 points.
Coach Jungemann on this week's matches:
"While the results may not have been what we were hoping for this past weekend, there were some positives for us to build on. Most importantly, it gave us the opportunity to remember (after two years without a conference match) what it takes to compete in the CCAA. Stanislaus and East Bay will most certainly present another tough challenge for us this weekend. Stanislaus has been one of the top teams in the conference that last couple of years and are expected to be again this year. While East Bay had a tough first weekend, they showed they can compete with the top teams in the CCAA. We are expecting nothing less than two difficult games, but we are definitely looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to play at home for the first time this season."
Weekend's home matches
vs. Cal State East Bay (Fri at 3:00 p.m.):
Series History: CSEB leads 23-18-6
Last meeting:
HSU win 4-0 on Oct. 14, 2012 at Hayward
Pioneers 2012 record: 5-8-5
CCAA Preseason Poll: 5th in North
Pioneers aim for first win
Cal State East Bay aims for its first win of the 2013 season this weekend. The Pioneers have only scored two goals in four games, but have faced two of the top 20 ranked NCAA Division II men's soccer teams.
CSU East Bay suffered 2-1 defeats to the hands of #3 Simon Fraser before falling to #18 Chico State last Friday.
The Pioneers' Chris Lara and Rey Suarez account for the team's lone two scores. Goalie Bryce Bookhammer has saved 17 shots in 363 minutes.
vs. Cal State Stanislaus (Sun. at 2:00 p.m.):
Series History: HSU leads 25-21-2
Last meeting:
CSS 1-0 win on Oct. 30, 2011 in Arcata
Warriors 2012 record: 12-5-3
CCAA Preseason Poll: 2nd in North with 5 of 12 first place votes
Warriors look for offense
Cal State Stanislaus will look to ignite its offense over the second weekend of CCAA contests. The Warriors dropped a 1-0 affair to Cal State San Bernardino before coming up short, 3-1, to Chico State.
The Warriors have totaled only three goals in their first four matches.
Carlos Gauino, Kyle Cadigan and Josue Barajas have found the net one time apiece. Goalie Clint Long has been able to keep the team in the matches with a 1.17 goals against average and stopped 16 shots in 386 minutes in net.
