VAR, Penalty Kicks Take Center Stage in Wildcats’ 1-1 Draw with Pioneers in CCAA Opener

CHICO, Calif. — In the CCAA’s first year of implementing video assistant referee (VAR), it proved to be beneficial for both the Chico State and Cal State East Bay men’s soccer teams in the first conference match of the season Friday evening. The referee used the video assistance to award at least three penalty kicks. Chico State capitalized on one and East Bay was given two chances, one was stopped by Nickolas Molina, as the two teams left University Soccer Stadium with an emotional 1-1 draw at University Soccer Stadium. Simon Vaca-Lorenzi put the Wildcats ahead in the 76th minute,…