TURLOCK , Calif. – In a clash of top-25 programs, the No. 2 Stanislaus State Warriors secured their third straight shutout with a 1–0 victory over No. 19 Menlo at Warrior Stadium on Thursday night. Emmanuel Duran netted his fifth goal of the season in the 17th minute, finishing a setup from Samuel Villanueva, who notched his team-leading and nation's-leading sixth assist. The Warriors' defense silenced a Menlo attack that had scored 14 goals in its first four matches, preserving Stan State's unbeaten start.
First Half Recap:
The Warriors (5-0) wasted little time setting the tone, applying pressure early and breaking through in the 17th minute when Duran converted Villanueva's cross for the lone goal of the night. Stan State's midfield controlled much of the opening half, while the back line limited Menlo's rhythm. Goalkeeper Angel Ruiz-Hernandez made a key save midway through the half to keep the Warriors in front, and the home side carried its 1–0 lead into the break.
Second Half Recap:
Menlo (4-1) adjusted after halftime and generated more chances, but the Warriors' defense held firm. Ruiz-Hernandez came up with another stop in the 59th minute, while Stan State's back four absorbed pressure and cleared away set-piece threats. Though the Oaks pushed forward late in search of an equalizer, the Warriors' composure at the back preserved the clean sheet and secured their third consecutive shutout to open the season.
Warrior Notables:
· Emmanuel Duran scored his fifth goal of the season.
· Samuel Villanueva tallied his team-leading and nation's-leading sixth assist, solidifying his role as one of the top playmakers in Division II.
· Goalkeeper Angel Ruiz-Hernandez posted his third consecutive shutout, lowering his goals-against average to 0.41 with an .867 save percentage.
· The Warriors' defense has allowed just 0.40 goals per game while recording three shutouts.
· Stanislaus State improves to 5-0, its first 5-0 start since the 2014–15 season when the Warriors opened the year 7-0.
Up Next:
The Warriors travel to San Rafael on Saturday, Sept. 20, for a 3:30 p.m. regional matchup against Dominican, which defeated Chico State 4-1 in Chico this evening. Stan State will then be off until Thursday, Oct. 3, when they open California Collegiate Athletic Association play at home against Cal State East Bay at 4:30 p.m.
Latest Athletics News
- Back-to-Back Shutouts Earn Stanislaus State’s Angel Ruiz-Hernandez FloCollege/CCAA Defensive Player of the Week HonorsSenior goalkeeper Angel Ruiz-Hernandez has been named the FloCollege/California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Men's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week for September 15–21 after recording back-to-back shutouts. The honor marks the second consecutive week a Stanislaus State Warrior has received the conference's defensive award, as the No. 2-ranked Warriors remain undefeated at 6-0 and stand among just six unbeaten teams in NCAA Division II.
- Stan State Holds No. 2 National Ranking, No. 1 in West Region for Second Straight WeekThe Stan State men's soccer team maintained its place among the nation's best, holding the No. 2 spot in the United Soccer Coaches/NCAA Division II Top 25 for the second straight week. The Warriors are ranked nationally for the third consecutive week and remain No. 1 in the West Region for the second week in a row. Lynn is No. 1 nationally, followed by Stan State at No. 2. Off to a 6-0 start, Stan State is one of just six undefeated programs in Division II and the only team in the nation with at least six victories.
- Stan State Concludes Four-Game Homestand Versus Chico State and Cal Poly HumboldtStan State's volleyball team continues its homestand with two matches this week. The Warriors host Chico State (4-5, 0-2 CCAA) on September 26 and Cal Poly Humboldt (0-10, 0-2 CCAA) on September 27.
- Warriors Set for Westmont and Cowbell Cup Showdown with UC MercedStanislaus State women's soccer (2-1-2) is set for a two-match week, traveling to Santa Barbara to face Westmont this Thursday, Sept. 25 at 12:30 p.m. The Warriors will return home this Sunday, Sept. 28 for a 6:00 p.m. non-conference match with UC Merced. This will be the Annual Cowbell Cup Match.
- This Week in Warrior SportsThis Week in Warrior Sports September 22-28, 2025VOLLEYBALL CONTINUES HOMESTAND / WOMEN'S SOCCER RETURNS HOME SEPT. 28 Stan State's volleyball team will continue its four-match homestand this weekend with two CCAA matches, Sept. 26 and 27. The Warriors will host Chico State this Friday, Sept. 26, on Latinx Heritage Night. They will conclude their homestand against Cal Poly Humboldt the next evening (Sat., Sept. 27) on Alumni Night. Both matches will take place at 5:00 p.m. After traveling to Westmont this Thursday afternoon, Stan State's women's soccer team will host UC Merced in its final non-conference match, the Annual Cowbell Match, Sunday, Sept. 28, at 6:00 p.m.
- No. 2 Stanislaus State Opens 6-0 for First Time Since 2015, Records Fourth Straight ShutoutThe No. 2 Stanislaus State men's soccer team wrapped up non-conference play unbeaten with a 1-0 victory over Dominican on Saturday afternoon at Kennelly Field. The Warriors improved to 6-0 for the first time since 2015 while posting their fourth straight shutout.
