TURLOCK, Calif. — The greatest season in Stan State men's soccer history ended Sunday afternoon as the No. 3 Warriors fell 2–0 to No. 8 Midwestern State in the NCAA Division II Super Region IV Third Round at Warrior Stadium. Competing in the NCAA Sweet 16 for the first time in program history, Stan State battled in front of 829 fans but saw its postseason run halted by two timely Mustang goals.

First Half
The Warriors generated early momentum, but Midwestern State (16-3-3) struck first in the 43^rd minute when Gabriel Gacovicaj on a cross from Derek Espinal to give the Mustangs a 1–0 lead. Stan State pushed forward late in the half but trailed at the break.

Second Half
Stan State continued to pressure in the second half, earning corners and sustained attacking play, but Midwestern State doubled its lead in the final minutes on an unassisted goal by Espinal. Goalkeeper Angel Ruiz-Hernandez recorded four saves to keep the Warriors in striking distance, while defenders Ian Reis, Samuel Villanueva, David Lozano, Federico Barbieri, Christian Brenes, and Hugo Canedo battled throughout to slow the Mustang attack. The Warriors created late chances but were unable to convert.

Warrior Notables

• Stan State finishes 17–2–1, the winningest season in program history.
• The Warriors reached the NCAA Third Round for the first time ever.
• Angel Ruiz-Hernandez recorded 11.5 shutouts this season, extending the program single-season record.
• Samuel Villanueva set new Stan State records for career assists (17) and single season assists (13).
• Stan State allowed just eleven goals this season, breaking the program record for fewest goals conceded.
• The Warriors earned a program-record 10 All-CCAA honors, including four major awards.

CCAA Tournament Champions
Stan State captured its first CCAA Tournament championship since 2012, earning back-to-back shutouts in Seaside. Five Warriors were named to the CCAA All-Tournament Team:
Ian Reis – Defensive MVP
Samuel Villanueva – Offensive MVP
Emmanuel Duran
Alexis Cervantes
Angel Ruiz-Hernandez

Stan State Postseason History
This season marked Stan State's third NCAA Division II Tournament appearance (2012, 2015, 2025) and the program's first-ever advancement to the NCAA Third Round. The Warriors now hold a 2–2 all-time NCAA Tournament record. Stan State also secured its second CCAA Tournament title this fall and has made six appearances in the CCAA Tournament overall.

Warriors in the Record Books
Several Warriors climbed into the program's career records this season.

• Samuel Villanueva is the all-time assists leader with 17 and ranks among the top 10 in career points with 29.
• Angel Ruiz-Hernandez ranks second in career shutouts with 17, third in wins with 23, sixth in saves with 128, and fourth in minutes played.

Single-Season Warriors
The 2025 squad placed numerous performances among the program's single-season bests.

• Emmanuel Duran's 10 goals rank fifth-most in a season.
• Gerardo Flores' nine goals and Sebastian Carbajal's seven goals both rank in the program's top 10.
• Villanueva's 13 assists are the most in a single season, and Adrian Yepez's seven assists rank tied for fourth.
• Flores (24 points) and Duran (23 points) rank among the top 10 single season point totals.
• Ruiz-Hernandez's 11.5 shutouts are the most in a single season in program history.

Team Records
Stan State set or tied multiple program records in 2025.

• Most wins: 17 (new record)
• Most shutouts: 12 (tied record)
• Fewest goals allowed: 9 (new record)
• Best winning percentage: .917 (new record)
• Most team assists: 46 (new record)
• One of the top three single-season goal totals in program history (44 goals)

Season Reflection
Stan State's 2025 campaign will be remembered as the most successful in program history. From reaching No. 1 in the national rankings for two straight weeks (October 21 and 28), to winning the 2025 CCAA Tournament, to hosting and advancing in the NCAA Tournament for the first time, the Warriors delivered a remarkable season built on unity, leadership, and resilience.