Warriors’ Defense Posts Third Shutout; Sousa Strike Seals 1–0 Win

Sat, Sep 13, 2025

TURLOCK, Calif. — Behind a disciplined back line and five saves from goalkeeper Zara Mujica, Stanislaus State recorded its third shutout of the season in a 1–0 victory over Menlo on Saturday night at Warrior Stadium. The Warriors' defensive effort set the tone before Haylee Sousa broke through with a 16th-minute strike off an assist from Aliah Avila, lifting Stan State to 2-1-1 on the year.

First Half:
Stanislaus State wasted little time applying pressure and found the breakthrough in the 16th minute. Sousa slipped into space and converted off a feed from Avila, giving the Warriors all the scoring they would need. Mujica was sharp between the posts with four saves in the opening 45 minutes, including stops on consecutive Menlo attempts to keep the visitors scoreless at the break.

Second Half:
Menlo (1-2-1) pushed for an equalizer after halftime, generating multiple corner kicks and testing the Warriors' defense. Mujica added another save in the final period while the Stanislaus State back line cleared dangerous chances and limited the Oaks' looks at goal. The Warriors absorbed the pressure and preserved the clean sheet, finishing off their third shutout of the young season.

Warrior Notables:

Third shutout of the season for the Warrior defense, keyed by goalkeeper Zara Mujica and defenders Katie Smith, Makeila Yancey, Amanda Do, Francesca Hahn, Olivia Kamm, and Grace Fabionar.
Sousa scored her first game-winner of the year and second goal overall.
Avila tallied her third assist in four matches.
Mujica finished with five saves, including four in the first half.
Stan State improves to 2-1-1 overall while holding opponents to just two goals across in its first four matches

Up Next:
Stanislaus State begins a two-match road trip a week from today at noon on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Biola. The Warriors then travel to Santa Barbara to face Westmont College on Thursday, Sept. 25. They return home on Sunday, Sept. 28, at 6 p.m. to host UC Merced in their final non-conference game of the regular season.