HAYWARD, Calif. – The Cal State East Bay women's soccer team will play its 2013 home opener on Friday night against Chico State. The Pioneers start California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play with a pair of matches at Pioneer field including a Sunday afternoon meeting with Cal State San Bernardino.

"We are excited to play at home and begin conference play," said 13th year Head Coach Amy Gerace. "I wish we had more time…We are just now coming together and are trying to build team chemistry."

Every second of the two preceding non-conference contests were important as 14 players on the current roster are either freshmen or redshirt players from a year ago. In addition, Gerace was dealt the difficult task of filling the void left behind by her top four point scorers from 2012.

"We have strong leaders…They got together on their own prior to preseason workouts to build up their fitness, and it shows. Now it is time to find out who are our game changers," said Gerace.

Last season the Pioneers lost eight games by one-goal margins, including a pair to Chico State and another to Cal State San Bernardino. Those two squads finished in the middle of the conference standings, but the CCAA is filled with talented squads.

East Bay is looking for its win of the season after dropping a pair of road contests. However, with a young team trying to find its identity, ultimately the results will follow.

"We are focusing on our style of play. I know what the end result will look like when everything comes together."

Chico State (2-0-0) enters Friday's contest following a pair of one-goal victories against Cal Baptist and Notre Dame Namur. The Wildcats are just outside of the latest top-25 National Soccer Coaches Association of America rankings.

Cal State San Bernardino (2-1-0) won two of its three matches during its season opening Hawaii road trip.