TURLOCK — It was another heartbreak for the Stanislaus State men's soccer team as the Warriors were unable to protect a lead — and despite playing great throughout the match, they were eventally out-matched by the nationally ranked UC San Diego side, 2-1, in overtime.
Kuba Waligorski scored the golden goal three minutes into the first extra period to escape with the win to improve to 12-1-2 overall and 7-1-1 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.
The Warriors suffered yet another one-goal loss to fall to 2-10-3 overall and 0-9-0 in the CCAA. Stan State has now lost eight one-goal decisions this season and are 1-4-3 in overtime matches.
UC San Diego, ranked No. 12 in this week's NSCAA Top 25, had to play catch-up despite out-shooting the Warriors all night.
Stanislaus State got on the board early in the 23rd minute on a
Sean Bender goal with an assist credited to
Alejandro Sanchez. It was Stan State's first shot of the match and it resulted in the score.
The Warriors held the lead for 43 minutes despite being out-shot. The Tritons out-shot Stanislaus 10-1 in the first half and 19-3 in all.
UCSD tied the match in the 66th minute on a Christian Cordell header goal. He received a nice cross from Justice Duerksen from the left wing.
The Tritons continued to attack but Stan State goalkeeper
Tomas Zajfert came up with some tremendous saves to keep the match close. Zajfert ended up with four saves.
However, Waligorski ended the match after finding the loose ball off a rebound to end the match.
Stanislaus will wrap-up its home season on Sunday when the Warriors host Cal State San Marcos at 11:30 a.m. It will be senior day at Warrior Stadium as six Warriors will play in their final home match.