TURLOCK, Calif.---No. 2 Stanislaus State showed its depth and resilience Sunday afternoon, rallying from an early deficit to defeat No. 21 Cal State Los Angeles, 2–1, in a nationally ranked California Collegiate Athletic Association showdown at Warrior Stadium. The victory extended the Warriors' unbeaten streak to eight matches and marked their first win over Cal State LA since 2010.
Gerardo Flores and
Alexis Cervantes scored the Warrior goals, while
Landon Leal Ruiz and
Ian Reis each provided assists.
First Half Recap:
The Golden Eagles struck first in the fifth minute when Alex Mendez found the net off a setup from Felix Alverdale to put Cal State LA ahead 1–0. The Warriors wasted little time responding—ten minutes later, Flores buried his team-leading fifth goal of the season, finishing a crisp pass from Leal Ruiz to level the match at 1–1. Stan State pressed forward the rest of the half, generating several looks and outshooting the visitors 6–3 before the break.
Second Half Recap:
In the 72nd minute, Cervantes delivered the decisive blow, converting from close range after a perfectly timed assist from defender Reis to give the Warriors a 2–1 lead. Stan State's defense then clamped down, holding Cal State LA without a shot on goal in the second half. The win marked the Warriors' first victory over the Golden Eagles since 2010, snapping a 17-match winless stretch in the series. Cal State LA's late hopes faded when Mendez was sent off with a red card in the 89th minute.
Warrior Notables:
Up Next:
Stanislaus State begins a three-match road trip this Friday, October 10, at No. 25 Cal State San Bernardino at 12:30 p.m. The Warriors then face No. 11 Cal Poly Pomona on Sunday, October 12, at 2 p.m., before closing the trip at Cal Poly Humboldt on Friday, October 17 at 3 p.m.
