Stanislaus State Athletics

ATHERTON, Calif.--- Olivia Maragos scored her team-leading sixth goal of the season in the 88th minute off an assist from Aliah Avila, but Stan State women's soccer's late rally fell short in a 2-1 CCAA loss to Menlo Saturday afternoon at Wunderlich Field. The Warriors fell to 7-5-2 overall and 6-4 in conference play with 18 points, while the Oaks improved to 4-9-2 overall and 1-8-1 in the CCAA, earning their first conference victory of the season.

First Half
The two teams played an evenly contested opening half, with each recording five shots. Menlo generated the first scoring opportunities as Avery Grieve and Isabel Amador sent attempts wide in the 21st and 22nd minutes.
Stan State responded in the 23rd minute when Mandy Thao forced Menlo goalkeeper Caroline Cordes into a save. Avila followed with an attempt in the 30th minute before Thao had another shot blocked in the 35th minute.

The Oaks broke the scoreless tie in the 42nd minute when Leilani Phillips headed home her fifth goal of the season at the 41:31 mark. Aubrey Dollins and Judd Eldredge Sagapolutele were credited with assists on the play.

Stan State looked to answer before halftime, with Avila recording two attempts in the 43rd minute, but the Warriors entered the break trailing 1-0.

Second Half
The Warriors came out attacking in the second half, with Lorena Moreno forcing Cordes into a save in the 48th minute. Maragos followed with an attempt on goal in the 55th minute before Franchesca Maiden tested Cordes in the 60th minute.

Menlo extended its lead to 2-0 in the 72nd minute when Dollins intercepted the ball from a Stan State defender and scored from the top of the penalty area at the 71:50 mark. It was her second goal of the season.
Stan State continued searching for a goal, with Avila sending an attempt high in the 75th minute and Maiden recording another shot in the 77th minute.

The Warriors finally broke through in the 88th minute when Avila delivered a through ball from near midfield to Maragos, who beat Cordes one-on-one at the 87:04 mark. The goal was Maragos' sixth of the season, while Avila recorded her third assist.

Despite the late goal, Stan State couldn't find the equalizer in the remaining minutes.


Menlo finished with a 13-12 advantage in shots, but the Warriors held a 5-3 edge in shots on goal. Cordes recorded four saves for the Oaks, while Zara Mujica finished with one save for Stan State.

Warrior Notables

• Stan State fell to 7-5-2 overall and 6-4 in CCAA play with 18 conference points.
• Maragos scored her team-leading sixth goal of the season and increased her team-leading point total to 15 with six goals and three assists.
• Avila recorded her third assist of the season and increased her season point total to 11 with four goals and three assists.
• Maragos has scored in two of Stan State's last three matches.
• The Warriors held a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal, with Maragos recording two shots on goal.
• Avila led Stan State with four shots, while Thao, Maiden and Maragos each recorded two.
• Avila ranks fifth in program history with 21 career goals, 20 assists and 63 points. She is one assist behind Emily Reiles (2010-13), who ranks fourth with 21, and three points behind Kirsten Coleman (2013-16), who ranks fourth with 66.
• Mujica ranks seventh in program history with 125 career saves, just four behind Kara Keene (2000-01), who ranks sixth with 129.

CCAA Standings
Following Saturday's 2-1 loss at Menlo, Stan State is tied for third place with Chico State in the CCAA standings with 18 points each. The Warriors are 6-4 in conference play, while the Wildcats are 5-2-3. Cal State San Bernardino leads the conference with 23 points (7-0-2), followed by Cal State LA with 20 points (6-2-2). Cal State San Marcos is fifth with 17 points, while No. 13 Cal Poly Pomona and UC Merced are tied for sixth with 16 points each. Cal State Monterey Bay and Cal Poly Humboldt are tied for eighth with 15 points each.

Saturday's 2-2 draw between Fresno Pacific and Cal Poly Humboldt moved the Lumberjacks into a tie for eighth and Fresno Pacific to 12 points. No. 13 Cal Poly Pomona is scheduled to visit Cal State East Bay at 3 p.m., while Cal State Monterey Bay hosts Cal State San Bernardino at 3 p.m. Those results could further impact the standings.

The top seven teams in the final regular-season standings qualify for the CCAA Tournament, with the top seed receiving a first-round bye and the higher seeds hosting the opening-round matches.

Up Next
Stan State returns to action Thursday, Oct. 22, when the Warriors travel to Chico State for a 4 p.m. CCAA contest at University Soccer Stadium. The match will be streamed live on FloCollege.

The Warriors return to Warrior Stadium Saturday, Oct. 24, to host Cal Poly Humboldt at 4 p.m. for Senior Day. 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.