NEWS RELEASE
May 7, 2006

GOAL IN INJURY TIME SINKS ROOKS
Chico Falls to Sonoma 1-0 

After regulation play had expired, Adam Shields of Sonoma blasted a free kick from 20 yards out in the 91^st minute to send the Rooks to their first defeat of the 2006 campaign.  Despite having 17 shots on goal to 12 for the Sol, the Rooks were unable to find the back of the net for the first time this season.

In the first half Chico created three created three excellent scoring opportunities.  Mario Castillo sent a shot just wide of the right post in the 26^th minute after running on to a though ball from Keith Ratzburg.  Minutes later Ratzburg blasted a shot from close range on the left side that Sol keeper Jesus Molina smothered.  Then in the waning moments of the half Donnie Ribaudo Floated a shot to the upper right corner that Molina desperately batted over the crossbar.

Sonoma also had several near misses in the first frame that came on restarts that went just wide of the mark.  The first half of play was very physical, as two Rooks players Calum Robertson and Brian Fredrick, required medical attention for lacerations on their heads.  Both players were able to return to play

The second half was also hard-fought, however, Chico had the run of play generating 10 attempts on goal to 5 for the Sol.  Ratzburg and Anthony Putrus also required medical attention in the second frame for lacerations and returned to play. 

Luis Orellana nearly netted a goal in the 87^th minute as he received a through ball from Ratzburg only to have his shot deflected by a charging Molina. “He (Molina) played it well,” said Orellana, “if he had stayed on his line I would have had an easy opportunity.”  With regulation time expired, Sonoma was awarded a free kick in the middle of the park after a loose ball bounced up and struck the arm of defender Joao Macedo.  Shields game winner cleared the wall and was just out of reach of Rooks keeper Nick Clark.  “It was a tough loss for us,” said Rooks head coach Dave Stahl, “we should have put one away earlier in the match.” 

Chico will host the first place Sacramento Knights on Friday, May 12^th at 7:30 at the soccer stadium on the Chico State campus.  It will also be Chico Unified School District (CUSD) Healthy Life Challenge Day. All CUSD elementary school children taking the Rooks Healthy Life Challenge will be admitted free of charge.  During the game Opt For Fit Kids will provide a variety of activities for youth and distribute literature.  On Saturday the Rooks will travel to Sacramento to play the Knights at Consumes River College at 7:30.

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