The Stanislaus State Warriors defeated the UC Merced Bobcats 2–1 in men’s soccer on Oct. 11 at Warrior Stadium in Turlock. Kenneth Solares scored the winning goal after UC Merced tied the match. Stanislaus State earned its first CCAA victory and improved to 3–5–5 overall and 1–3–3 in the conference.
Solares restores the lead
Jose Ponce put the Warriors ahead in the 24th minute with his first goal of the season. Daniel Gaona equalized for UC Merced in the 52nd minute. Solares then scored in the 71st minute after stealing the ball, also recording his first goal of the year.
The teams each finished with 13 shots and four attempts on goal. Dylan Isasi made two saves for Stanislaus State. UC Merced earned seven corner kicks to the Warriors’ two but fell to 4–5–3 overall and 3–5 in conference play.
CSB Take
Stanislaus State found the response it needed after losing its first-half advantage. Solares turned a defensive play into the finish that settled the rivalry match. UC Merced created additional set-piece opportunities without converting enough to change the result.
