SANTA ROSA — Another close battle ensued Friday for the Stanislaus State men's soccer team, and it was another close defeat, as host Sonoma State held on for a 2-1 California Collegiate Athletic Association victory at Trione Field.
 
Sonoma State (7-8-1, 3-5-1 CCAA) scored two first-half goals to build itself a cushion, one it would need, as the Warriors (6-9-1, 2-7-0 CCAA) came alive in the second half, creating chances and getting on the scoreboard.
 
"I was very proud of our players' response in the second half," said Stanislaus State head coach Morgan Cathey. "After conceding the two goals in the first half that were against the run of play, it can be so defeating to a team when we created also very clear chances in the first half but failed to convert.
 
"To see them come out in the second half and continue to believe that we would have more opportunities and capitalize, I can't fault their effort and purpose in this way!"
 
The Seawolves scored two goals in a 30-second span in the first half. Sean Rohane put in the first one in the 34th minute off an assist from Brian Field. 31 seconds later, he assisted on the second, giving the ball to Jason Hernandez for his first goal of the year and a 2-0 advantage.
 
But the Warriors weren't going quietly. They earned three corner kicks to Sonoma State's none after halftime. And Josh Santillan got Stan State on the board in the 79th minute with his fourth goal of the season. The Warriors would end the game even with Sonoma State in shots, 13-13.
 
"I love this team and these guys continue to get better every game," said Cathey. "We will be better for these difficult moments and games. We are building a great foundation and it's going to mean so much when the results and performances align."
 
Stanislaus State faces San Francisco State on the road at 2 p.m. Sunday. Fans can find all live coverage links on WarriorAthletics.com.