SEASIDE — The Stanislaus State men's soccer team returned to the pitch in an official capacity for the first time in 18 months Thursday, and it brought all the ferocity and strength of a long layoff with it.
It was
Luis Cordero's high-flying shot that sailed over the crossbar as the final horn sounded which ended a long afternoon battle on the road. He and the Warriors battled to a scoreless, double-overtime, non-conference draw in their season opener at fellow California Collegiate Athletic Association member Cal State Monterey Bay at the CSUMB Soccer Complex.
"We are really proud of how collective the team was in the defensive phases of the match," said Stanislaus State head coach
Morgan Cathey, who is in his second year with the Warriors but first competition season after the 2020 campaign was cancelled. "Even though we were unable to generate enough opportunities into the attacking phases in the first half, we felt that we were in control and just missing the final actions to break their press."
The Otters (0-0-1) outshot the Warriors (0-0-1), 6-0, in the first half, including four shots on goal, but Stanislaus State goalkeeper
Sebastian Castellanos and the Warriors' defense stood strong. Castellanos made four saves in the first 45 minutes and five saves on the day. The Stanislaus State back line firmed up and limited CSUMB to only one shot on goal in the second half.
Meanwhile, the offense stepped up after halftime and put up three shots, with one on goal.
Julian Madrigal led the Warriors with two shots (one on goal). Neither team was able to put the ball on net in overtime, though both squads traded shots in the second OT period.
The game featured 12 total cards and 40 combined fouls. Stanislaus State played a man up for the final three minutes of the second overtime after CSUMB's Jordan Sime drew his second yellow of the afternoon.
"It was a great improvement for us in the big moments throughout and some players stepped up to have great performances," said Cathey. "We are really looking forward to Saturday to see how well we can continue to push ourselves forward."
The Warriors next return home Saturday to host Holy Names at 4 p.m. in their first home opener since the 2019 season.
