HAYWARD, Calif. – Men's soccer will begin its California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) schedule on Friday against nationally ranked No. 18 Chico State. It will be the second top-20 ranked team the Pioneers have faced in their first three matches of the 2013 campaign.

Chico State won the CCAA North Division last season with an 8-1-5 conference mark. Both contests between these two squads went the distance ending in double overtime draws. East Bay's Rey Suarez provided a last second score in the first meeting, and the two teams played to a scoreless tie in the latter.

Suarez and teammate Javier Martin provided eight of the team's 17 goals last season. Through the first two games of the 2013 regular season, Chris Lara leads the scoring with his goal against nationally ranked No. 3 Simon Fraser.

In that contest Pioneer goalkeeper Bryce Bookhamer made six stops and was named Cal State East Bay Male Athlete of the Week. His nine saves through two games ranks second best in the CCAA behind the 11 put up from San Francisco State goaltender Colt Reichl.

Cal State San Bernardino from the CCAA South Division will head to Hayward for a Sunday matchup. The Pioneers will look to end an eight match losing streak to the Coyotes dating back to the 1991 season.

East Bay is coming off its most successful season under now fifth year Head Coach Andy Cumbo. The Pioneers earned five wins and as many ties in 2012. CSUEB also posted a winning record at home for the first time during his tenure.