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.
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