SAN FRANCISCO — The Stanislaus State men's soccer team played yet another close match Sunday, but it was host San Francisco State who came away with the victory, coming from behind to edge the Warriors by one goal, 3-2, in a California Collegiate Athletic Association match at Cox Stadium.
 
For the Warriors (6-10-1, 2-8-0 CCAA), it was their sixth one-goal defeat this year, a frustrating number, but one that has proven improvement and growth. Each of their last five defeats have all been by one goal, a vast improvement over their -3.4 goals differential per game in their first five defeats of the year. It was also their third loss of the year after leading in a game.
 
"We did very well to play our game today in almost impossible conditions," said Stanislaus State head coach Morgan Cathey. "Unfortunately, the field played a big part in the second goal. However, our response to these moments were great today!"
 
The Warriors took the lead in the 11th minute on Julian Madrigal's unassisted goal, his seventh score of the year, which moved him into a tie for fifth all-time in the program's single-season record book. San Francisco State tied it right back up 63 seconds later with a goal from Manuell Kariuki, making it 1-1.
 
The teams switched roles 10 minutes later, with the Gators taking a 2-1 lead on a goal from Adrian Medina before Madrigal tied it up with his second of the game and eighth of the year only 32 seconds later, making it 2-2.
 
San Francisco State got its eventual game-winning goal only 28 seconds into the second half, as Samuel Twigg took care of a relay from Justin Wolfe and Gustavo Ferrari to make it 3-2. From there, the Gators' defense held on to limit the Warriors' attack and earn the victory.
 
Madrigal's eight goals and 20 points so far this season both rank No. 5 all-time on the single season records list.
 
"I feel for our guys as we played well and definitely did enough to win the game," said Cathey. "A couple moments created the few chances that SFSU took and hats off to them for capitalizing in these moments. Thursday can't come soon enough as I know our guys love playing together and we will continue to grow all the way until the last moment."
 
Stanislaus State closes out its season on Thursday at Cal State East Bay. Fans can find all live coverage links on WarriorAthletics.com.