TURLOCK, Calif.--- Karissa Franco scored on a penalty kick in the 71st minute, and
Zara Mujica recorded a career high eight saves as Stan State women's soccer handed No. 13 Cal Poly Pomona its first loss of the season with a 1-0 victory Thursday evening at Warrior Stadium on Latinx Heritage Night. The Warriors improved to 7-4-2 overall and 6-3 in the CCAA with 18 conference points, moving into second place in the conference standings. The Broncos fell to 7-1-6 overall and 4-1-4 in CCAA play. The victory marked Stan State's second consecutive home shutout against the nationally ranked Broncos.
First Half
Cal Poly Pomona controlled much of the opening half, outshooting Stan State 12-1 and holding a 4-0 advantage in corner kicks. Mujica was tested immediately, stopping Sabine Ramos' attempt just 16 seconds into the match.
The Broncos continued their pressure, with Charlie Gallardo forcing Mujica into another save in the fourth minute before Braedyn Kincade sent an attempt off the woodwork in the fifth minute. Morgan Huff tested Mujica in the eighth minute, but the senior goalkeeper made the save to keep the match scoreless.
Mujica continued to anchor the Warriors' defense, stopping attempts by Carly Radke in the 11th minute and Gallardo in the 12th minute. Cal Poly Pomona generated additional opportunities throughout the half, but the Warriors prevented the Broncos from breaking through.
Stan State recorded its lone first-half shot in the 40th minute when
Alexys Petrilla sent an attempt high.
The teams entered halftime scoreless despite Cal Poly Pomona holding a 12-1 advantage in shots, including a 5-0 edge in shots on goal. Mujica finished the half with five saves.
Second Half
Stan State began creating more offensive opportunities after halftime.
Aliah Avila sent an attempt wide in the 52nd minute before forcing Cal Poly Pomona goalkeeper Parker LaMont into a save in the 57th minute.
Grace Vojkufka added an attempt in the 58th minute as the Warriors continued to pressure the Broncos' defense.
The breakthrough came in the 71st minute when Stan State was awarded a penalty kick following a Cal Poly Pomona foul. Franco converted the opportunity at the 70:40 mark, giving the Warriors a 1-0 advantage. It was Franco's second collegiate goal and first game-winning goal.
Cal Poly Pomona nearly answered in the 77th minute when Radke's attempt struck the crossbar. Moments later, Mujica stopped Ramos' shot to preserve the lead.
The Broncos continued their attack in the closing minutes. Mujica denied Gallardo in the 84th minute before Mikaela Marr sent an attempt wide in the 89th minute.
Stan State's defense held firm over the final moments to secure the victory and hand Cal Poly Pomona its first defeat of the season.
The Broncos finished with a 20-5 advantage in shots, including an 8-2 edge in shots on goal. Mujica played all 90 minutes and recorded eight saves for her 5.5th shutout of the season.
Warrior Notables
- Stan State improved to 7-4-2 overall and 6-3 in the CCAA with 18 conference points, moving into second place in the standings.
- The Warriors handed No. 13 Cal Poly Pomona its first loss of the season, snapping the Broncos' 13-match unbeaten streak.
- Franco scored her second collegiate goal and first career game-winning goal on a penalty kick in the 71st minute.
- Mujica recorded eight saves for her 5.5th shutout of the season and 11.5th of her Stan State career, ranking third in program history. She also earned her 17th career victory.
- Mujica increased her career saves total to 124, ranking seventh in program history and moving within five saves of Kara Keene (2000-01), who ranks sixth with 129.
- Stan State recorded its sixth team shutout of the season and third in its last four matches.
- The Warriors have defeated nationally ranked Cal Poly Pomona in each of the Broncos' last two visits to Warrior Stadium. Two years ago, Stan State defeated then-No. 4 and unbeaten Cal Poly Pomona 2-0 on Senior Day, Oct. 27, 2024. Thursday's 1-0 victory handed the No. 13 Broncos their first loss of the 2026 season.
- Stan State improved to 12-15-3 in the all-time series against Cal Poly Pomona and 7-6-1 at Warrior Stadium.
- The Warriors have earned points in three consecutive regular-season meetings against Cal Poly Pomona, posting a 2-0-1 record.
CCAA Standings
With Thursday's victory, Stan State moved into second place in the CCAA standings with 18 points and a 6-3 conference record. Cal State San Bernardino leads the conference with 23 points and a 7-0-2 record, while Cal State LA and Cal State San Marcos are tied for third with 17 points each. Cal Poly Pomona and UC Merced are tied for fifth with 16 points, followed by Chico State and Cal State Monterey Bay with 15 points apiece. The Warriors are five points behind the Coyotes for first place and one point ahead of Cal State LA and Cal State San Marcos.
The top seven teams in the final regular-season standings advance to the CCAA Tournament, with the top seed receiving a first-round bye. The tournament begins Sunday, Nov. 1, with quarterfinal matches hosted by the higher seeds at campus sites. The semifinals will take place Thursday, Nov. 5, with the championship match scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, at Kellogg Stadium in Pomona.
Up Next
Stan State returns to action Saturday, Oct. 17, when the Warriors travel to Atherton to face Menlo at noon at Wunderlich Field. The Oaks enter the match 3-9-2 overall and 0-8-1 in the CCAA after falling 2-1 to Cal State LA, which was receiving votes in the national rankings, Thursday afternoon. Menlo has lost three consecutive matches and is seeking its first conference victory. Saturday's match will be streamed live on FloCollege.
The Warriors then visit Chico State on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 4 p.m. before returning home to host Cal Poly Humboldt on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 4 p.m. for Senior Day at Warrior Stadium. Prior to the match, Stan State will recognize its eight seniors:
Zara Mujica,
Mandy Thao,
Alexi Ochoa,
Kayla Perez,
Olivia Kamm,
Aliah Avila,
Francesca Hahn and
Amanda Do.
Stan State concludes the regular season Thursday, Oct. 29, with an 11 a.m. road match at Fresno Pacific
