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.
Latest Athletics News
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- Warriors Rise to No. 2 Nationally in Latest United Soccer Coaches PollThe Stanislaus State men's soccer team continues to make history, climbing to No. 2 in this week's United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II national poll released Tuesday (Oct. 14). This is the third time that the Warriors have been ranked second in the nation this season, as the Warriors extended their unbeaten start to 9-0-1. Stanislaus State is one of only ten unbeaten teams remaining in NCAA Division II men's soccer and is tied for first nationally in winning percentage (.905) with Young Harris College (9-0-1).
- Stanislaus State Climbs to No. 8 in United Soccer Coaches West Region PollThe Stanislaus State women's soccer program has advanced its regional standing, now ranked No. 8 in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 – NCAA Division II Women — West Region, released October 14. The Warriors (5-2-4, 1-1-2 CCAA) climbed into the poll after earning a pair of results on their Southern California trip against Cal State San Bernardino and top-ranked Cal Poly Pomona.
- Play Suspended at Otter Invitational; Warriors to Resume Tuesday Morning at BayonetPlay was suspended due to darkness Monday evening at the Warriors' fall tournament at Bayonet Golf Course, as rainy conditions throughout the day slowed play and prevented completion of the second round. Stanislaus State still has two holes remaining in its second round and will resume play Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m. to complete the round before immediately starting the third and final round of the 54-hole event.
- Senior Day This Sunday Highlights Weekend for No. 3 WarriorsRiding a ten-match unbeaten streak, the No. 3-ranked Stanislaus State men's soccer team heads into the final weekend of the regular season with two pivotal California Collegiate Athletic Association matchups — at Cal Poly Humboldt on Friday, Oct. 17 at 3 p.m., and back home for Senior Day on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 2 p.m. against Cal State San Marcos.
- Women’s Soccer Visits Humboldt Friday, Hosts Cal State San Marcos Sunday on Youth Soccer DayThe Stanislaus State women's soccer team (5-2-4, 1-1-2 CCAA) continues California Collegiate Athletic Association play this week, visiting Cal Poly Humboldt on Friday, Oct. 17, at 12:30 p.m., before returning home to host Cal State San Marcos on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 11:30 a.m. at Warrior Stadium on Youth Soccer Day.
