SEATTLE — The Stanislaus State women's soccer team again scored unanswered goals in the second half as the Warriors remain undefeated after the 2-1 win over Central Washington at Interbay Soccer Stadium on Sunday.
The win marks the program's 200th as it celebrates its 20th season. Stan State women's soccer is now 200-160-33 since its inception in 1998.
Gabriela Vargas's goal with less than three minutes left was the winner as the Warriors improved to 5-0-0 heading into CCAA play.
Jade Poon scored her sixth goal this week in the 65th minute as the equalizer.
The victory caps off a great 2-0 trip to the Pacific Northwest with two quality wins over two of the top teams in the GNAC. During the trip, the team had to make some last minute adjustments to its travel plans. Fittingly, making adjustments were keyed to the Warriors' success, especially on Sunday.
"CWU put us on a lot of pressure. We made some adjustments in the second half that allowed us to stay organized defensively, more effective in possession, and dangerous on the counter. The players executed those changes perfectly," stated head coach
Gabriel Bolton.
Finding themselves down 1-0 at intermission for the second straight game, there were no panic in the team huddle at halftime. The Warriors remained calmed and confident in their ability to attack and score in the second half. In Friday's match at Simon Fraser, Stan State scored three unanswered goals for the 3-1 win.
Against the Wildcats (1-3-0), the comeback started again with Poon, whose steady point-blank strike in the box tied the score at 64:29. Poon had gotten the ball on a touch by
Julia Cummings, who had entered the match just 22 seconds earlier.
Poon wrapped up her amazing week with six goals in three matches that started with a hat trick last Monday. She's the first Warrior to score six goals in a week and during a three-match stretch. Karenee Demery twice scored five times during a three-match week in 2011 and 2012.
It was another great substitution by Bolton late in the game that paid dividend for Stanislaus when Vargas scored the winner at 87.26. Vargas, who has been in for just 46 seconds, ran up the middle to score after picking up a great pass from
Kassandra Le who had intercepted a pass at midfield.
"That was truly a team win today. All our players are capable of contributing and that showed today," added Bolton.
The Warriors will travel to take on Cal State San Marcos and UC San Diego next weekend to begin CCAA play.