NEWS RELEASE
May 20, 2006

ROOKS WIN DRAW IN SEATTLE
Eliminated from open cup on goal difference

 The Chico Rooks played two ninety-minute games in eight hours earning a win and a draw in the USASA Region 4 Championship Tournament in Seattle, Washington

In the first match the Rooks downed SudaCa F.C. 5-0 and then taking the pitch four hours later battled to a 0-0 draw with the Sonoma County Sol. Chico was eliminated from the tournament as Sonoma defeated SudaCa 8-0 on Friday night.

The Rooks kicked off against SudaCa at 1:00 on Saturday and took a 2-0 lead, on goals by Joe Munoz and Nick Hooper in the first half. Luis Orellana netted two-second half goals and Donnie Ribaudo rounded out the scoring for Chico

Returning to play four hours later, the Rooks drew 0-0 with the Sonoma County Sol, despite dominating play throughout the match.

In the first half the Rooks were denied on three good scoring opportunities. In the twenty-eight minute, Ben Gatenbien blasted a twenty-yard shot off the Sol post. A minute later Munoz riffled a shot off the crossbar. Just before intermission the Sol keeper deflected a shot by Nick Hooper from twelve yards out.

In the second half Chico needing the result against Sonoma pressed forward. However despite having the run of play, and creating numerous scoring opportunities the Rooks could not net the game winner.

Sonoma will battle the Arizona Saharos, winners of group B, for the championship tomorrow.

“We played two great games,” said Rooks head coach, Dave Stahl, “we were unlucky not to get the result against Sonoma. Our guys played their hearts out, incredibly difficult to play two matches in eight hours.”

The Rooks will return to host Sonoma next Saturday at 7:30pm at the Soccer Stadium on the Chico State Campus.

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