LA MIRADA, Calif. — Competition returned Thursday to the Stanislaus State athletics department for the first time in nearly 18 months – and it was a close one.
 
The Warriors women's soccer team was edged, 1-0, on the road at Biola University with a late second-half goal at Al Barbour Field in both teams' 2021 season opener.
 
"It's always disappointing to lose, but first and foremost we are grateful for the opportunity to play," said Stanislaus State head coach Gabriel Bolton, who begins his 17th year with the program this fall. "This is our first competitive match in about 650 days, so we had some rust to shake off."
 
Both the Warriors' offense and defense had strong showings Thursday, despite the rust, proving their hard work over the long time away from official competition.
 
Stanislaus State (0-1) and Biola (1-0) played to a scoreless tie through the first 79 minutes of the game. The Warriors controlled much of the offensive possession and attack in the early goings, but Biola was able to scramble and turn away the Warriors' attack time and time again.
 
It was the Eagles' Sarah Freed in the 80th minute who broke the scoreless deadlock, burying a ball in the upper left corner of the net for what would eventually be the game-winning score.
 
"Overall, we played pretty well," said Bolton. "Unfortunately, a little miscommunication and hesitation led to the goal. Biola is an excellent team and they took advantage."
 
Stanislaus State outshot Biola, 10-8, including 7-4 in shots on goal. They forced Biola goalkeeper Anna Boyer to make seven saves in 90 minutes, five in the first half alone. The Warriors' defense worked well as a unit, pulling the Eagles offsides four times in the game. Stanislaus State 'keeper Amanda Leal also had three saves.
 
"Abby Martinez was fantastic at center back," said Bolton. "She really controlled the back line and erased some Biola opportunities. Amanda Leal had a couple of key saves including one on a breakaway to close out the first half. Her presence in goal is outstanding."
 
The Warriors next return to Turlock on Saturday for their home opener – their first since 2019 – as they host Fresno Pacific under the lights in a 7 p.m. kickoff.