TURLOCK, Calif.--- Stanislaus State opened the 2025-26 season in thrilling fashion with a 2-1 home victory over Seattle Pacific on Wednesday night at Warrior Stadium. The Warriors struck first in the 44th minute on a goal by Alexis Cervantes and, after conceding a second-half equalizer via a penalty kick, regained the lead in the 87th with a game-winning strike from Gerardo Flores. Stan State outshot SPU 13-5 and controlled 57% of the possession, showing early season form in their home opener.
FIRST HALF
The first half began as a defensive battle, with limited chances from both sides. Gerardo Flores registered the match's first shot in the 4th minute, though it went high over the crossbar. The Warriors had another opportunity to take the lead in the 20th minute when Jose Tizoc's shot also sailed high. Stan State finally broke through in the 44th minute when Alexis Cervantes netted his first career goal, finishing a long ball over the top from goalkeeper Angel Ruiz-Hernandez to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at the break.
SECOND HALF
The second half opened with continued pressure from the Warriors. In the 65th minute, Ian Reis and Federico Barbieri each forced saves from SPU goalkeeper Brian Lanier, followed by more saves on shots by Adrian Yepez (68') and Sebastian Carbajal (71').
Ruiz-Hernandez made his first save of the match in the 76th minute, denying a shot on goal from Chester March. Stan State looked to double the lead in the 78th, but Emmanuel Duran's shot was also stopped by Lanier.
Seattle Pacific (0-1) found the equalizer in the 83rd minute when Rafael Lucio converted a penalty kick to level the match at 1-1.
Just four minutes later, Stan State was awarded a penalty of its own. Gerardo Flores' initial shot was saved, but he stayed with the play and finished the rebound to give the Warriors a dramatic 2-1 lead in the 87th minute. Ruiz-Hernandez preserved the win with a clutch save in the final seconds on a shot from March, sealing the Warriors' opening-night victory.
WARRIOR NOTABLES
Gerardo Flores scored his first goal as a Warrior — and the game-winner — in the 87th minute, following up his own missed penalty attempt. It was his 12th collegiate goal, after tallying 11 during his two seasons at Cal State San Bernardino.
Alexis Cervantes netted his first career collegiate goal in the 44th minute off a long ball assist from Angel Ruiz-Hernandez, who earned his first assist as a Warrior.
The Warriors outshot Seattle Pacific 13-5, including a 9-4 edge in the second half. Stan State recorded 11 shots on goal, while limiting the Falcons to just three.
UP NEXT
The Warriors continue their homestand this Saturday, September 6 at 7:00 p.m., when they host Western Washington at Warrior Stadium. The Vikings played to a 1-1 draw at Chico State earlier this evening.
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