For the first time in program history, the Stanislaus State men's soccer team is ranked No. 1 in the nation. Stanislaus State climbed to the top of the United Soccer Coaches Men's NCAA Division II poll released Tuesday, marking a historic milestone for the program and the university.
Stanislaus State remains unbeaten at 11-0-1 overall and 5-0-1 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), standing as one of only nine unbeaten teams in NCAA Division II men's soccer. The team leads the nation in winning percentage (.958) and has outscored opponents [total goals-for vs. goals-against], backed by a defense that has produced seven shutouts this season.
The Warriors are one of five teams from the West Region ranked or receiving votes in this week's United Soccer Coaches Men's Poll. The Warriors lead the group at No. 1, followed by Point Loma at No. 10, Cal State Dominguez Hills at No. 16, Cal Poly Pomona at No. 25, and Cal State Los Angeles receiving votes.
Now riding a 12-match unbeaten streak, Stanislaus State also continues to lead the United Soccer Coaches West Region poll for the sixth straight week. In the latest Oct. 21 West Region rankings, Stan State holds the top spot ahead of Point Loma (8-2-1) at No. 2, Cal State Dominguez Hills (7-2-3) at No. 3, Cal Poly Pomona (6-3-4) at No. 4, and Seattle Pacific (7-2-4) at No. 5. Rounding out the top 10 are Cal State San Bernardino (7-2-4), Cal State Los Angeles (6-2-4), Menlo (9-3-0), Vanguard (0-0-0), and Western Washington (6-4-3).
Stanislaus State has been dominant on both sides of the ball, ranking among the top programs in multiple NCAA Division II statistical categories. The team sits among the national leaders in scoring offense, goal differential, assists per game, and goals-against average. Individually, Samuel Villanueva ranks among the top five nationally in assists, Gerardo Flores ranks fifth in the nation in game-winning goals, and goalkeeper Angel Ruiz-Hernandez stands among Division II's best in save percentage and goals-against average.
Anchoring one of the toughest defenses in the country, Stanislaus State's backline — consisting of goalkeeper Angel Ruiz-Hernandez along with defenders Ian Reis, Federico Barbieri, Christian Brenes, Samuel Villanueva, Ryan Rosas, and David Lozano — has been a brick wall, contributing to seven shutouts this season and limiting opponents to less than one goal per match.
Within the CCAA, Flores, Emmanuel Duran, Samuel Villanueva, Adrian Yepez, and Sebastian Carbajal continue to power one of the most balanced and dynamic attacks in the conference, while Ruiz-Hernandez and the defensive unit anchor a squad that ranks among the national leaders in both goals-against average and shutout percentage.
Stanislaus State returns home this Friday to host Chico State at 4:30 p.m. on Break the Record Night, before traveling to Seaside for an 11:30 a.m. match on Sunday at Cal State Monterey Bay.
The first NCAA Division II West Region rankings will be released on October 29, with the NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Championship Selection Show set for Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. on www.ncaa.com.
The six-team CCAA Soccer Championship Tournament begins with first-round matches on Sunday, Nov. 9, at the site of the higher seeds. The semifinals and finals will be played at Cardinale Stadium in Seaside, on the campus of Cal State Monterey Bay, Friday through Sunday, Nov. 14–16. The top two seeds receive a first-round bye, and the tournament champion earns the CCAA's automatic berth to the NCAA Championships. Stanislaus State is currently tied for first place in the CCAA standings with Cal State Dominguez Hills, both holding 5-0-1 conference records entering this weekend's play.
Warrior women hold steady at No. 8 in United Soccer Coaches West Region rankings
The Stanislaus State women's soccer program checked in at No. 8 in the latest United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Women — West Region rankings released Oct. 21.
The Warriors (6-3-4, 2-2-2 CCAA) hold steady among the top 10 as they continue to battle in the thick of the CCAA playoff race.
Cal Poly Pomona leads the West Region at No. 1, followed by Western Washington (No. 2) and Simon Fraser (No. 3). Azusa Pacific ranks fourth, Concordia Irvine fifth, and Western Oregon sixth, while Point Loma Nazarene sits seventh just ahead of Stanislaus State. Seattle Pacific (No. 9) and Cal State San Marcos (No. 10) round out the poll.
Stanislaus State women's soccer continues its push for a postseason spot this weekend with two key CCAA match-ups, hosting Chico State on Friday at 7 p.m. for Break the Record Night and then traveling to Seaside to face Cal State Monterey Bay on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Weekend Recap
The Warriors split their two matches last weekend, falling 1-0 at Cal Poly Humboldt before earning a 2-1 home win over Cal State San Marcos. Against the Cougars, Stan State struck first when Shauna Johnston scored off a cross from Reyna Dismukes in the 16th minute. The Warriors regained the lead for good in the 70th when Aliah Avila scored on a ball from Olivia Kamm. Goalkeeper Zara Mujica made four saves to secure the victory, her sixth win of the season. The result improved Stan State to 6-3-4 overall and 2-2-2 in CCAA play, including a strong 5-2-1 mark at home.
Through 13 matches, Stanislaus State has allowed only 12 goals while posting five shutouts behind a disciplined defensive unit led by seniors Makeila Yancey, Katie Smith, and Reyna Dismukes. Mujica has anchored the back line with a 0.92 goals-against average and a .803 save percentage over 1,170 minutes in goal.
Offensively, Olivia Maragos leads the Warriors with four goals and nine points, while Haylee Sousa (two goals, two assists) and Avila (one goal, three assists) provide consistent attacking presence. Johnston has chipped in two goals, and Dismukes continues to spark the attack with key service and tempo control from midfield. Avila is now tied for fifth in the Stanislaus State career record book with eight game-winning goals, marking another milestone in her standout career.
Stan State is also gaining notice on the national stage, as the Warriors are receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II national poll for the second week in a row. They are one of just six programs from the West Region to either be ranked or receiving votes this week.CCAA Soccer Championship Tournament
The six-team CCAA Soccer Championship Tournament begins with first-round matches on Sunday, Nov. 9, at the site of the higher seeds. The semifinals and finals will be played at Cardinale Stadium in Seaside, on the campus of Cal State Monterey Bay, Friday through Sunday, Nov. 14–15. The top two seeds receive first-round byes, and the tournament champion earns the conference's automatic berth to the NCAA Championships.
Stanislaus State women's soccer is currently tied for sixth in the CCAA standings with Cal State San Marcos, while UC Merced is not eligible for postseason play this season.
The first NCAA Division II regional rankings — used for postseason selection — will be announced Oct. 29, with the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championship Selection Show set for Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. on NCAA.com.
