TURLOCK, Calif. — In front of 511 fans at Warrior Stadium, the Stanislaus State women's soccer team captured the Cowbell Cup with a thrilling 1-0 victory over UC Merced on Sunday night. The rivalry clash came down to the wire, with the Warriors capitalizing on a late own goal to lift the trophy and improve to 4-1-2 on the season.
First Half:
Both teams came out battling in a tightly contested opening half. UC Merced (3-1-3) generated five shots, testing the Warrior defense, but goalkeeper Zara Mujica and the back line held firm. Stan State countered with three shots of its own, though neither side was able to find the breakthrough before the halftime whistle, sending the Cowbell Cup deadlocked at 0-0.
Second Half:
The intensity rose after the break as Stanislaus State pressed higher and created more attacking opportunities. Mujica continued her strong play with key saves to deny the Bobcats, while the Warriors kept building pressure in the attacking third. That persistence paid off in the final moments when UC Merced deflected the ball into its own net in the 90th minute, handing Stan State a dramatic 1-0 win and the Cowbell Cup crown.
Warrior Notable:
Goalkeeper Zara Mujica stood tall for the Warriors, recording six saves and earning her fourth win of the season. She was backed by a resilient defensive unit, including Katie Smith and Makeila Yancey, who anchored the backline and frustrated UC Merced's attack throughout the night. Their efforts, combined with Mujica's steady presence in goal, gave Stan State the foundation it needed to secure the Cowbell Cup in dramatic fashion. With the victory, the Warriors closed out their non-conference slate with a strong 4-1-2 record.
Up Next:
The Warriors continue their three-match home stand this weekend as they begin CCAA play. Stan State will host Cal State East Bay on Friday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. in their annual Kick Cancer match. The Warriors will then finish the homestand on Sunday, Oct. 5, when they host Cal State Los Angeles at 2 p.m. on Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Appreciation Day.
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