Western Washington University gave a good account of itself in a 2-1 loss to nationally ranked Chico State University on Thursday, Aug. 30, in a West Regional men's soccer matchup in Chico, Calif.

"We played hard and it was a great game," said WWU coach Travis Connell. "I told the team afterward that it's the little things that determine games sometimes when two good teams are playing. Tonight they did the little things better and it turned out being a win for them."

Chico State, ranked No. 23 in the preseason Top 25 poll, took a 2-0 lead in the 73rd minute, Luis Martinez beating a defender and scoring from 10 yards inside the near post.

WWU cut the deficit to one in the 83rd minute as Justin Moore put a shot past Wildcat goaltender Sam Evans. Andrew Weishaar was credited with an assist. The Vikings were outshot 17-8.