Spirits and positive vibes are running high for the Stanislaus State Warriors as they enter the 2013 soccer season.
The defending California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) champions will look to improve on their 13-6-1 2012 season under the tutelage of coach Dana Taylor.  Coaches John Powell and Shannon Paboojian will also assist in the defending champion’s season.  Coach Taylor begins his fifth season at the helm of the Warriors soccer team and looks to continue leading his team to success.
After being eliminated in the second round of the NCAA championship tournament last year, the Warriors will look to return to the tournament again this year. CCAA writers have predicted a second place finish for the Warriors.
The Warriors opened the season on the road, with a 1-1 tie against Northwest Nazarene University (NNU). Kyle Cadigan scored the first goal of the Warrior season, but NNU scored late to force overtime and eventually the tie.
The Warriors’ first win of the season came on Saturday as they beat Colorado Mesa University 1-0 in a hard-fought overtime battle. Carlos Gavino’s corner kick found the head of Josue Barajas allowing the Warriors to clinch their first victory of the season.
Barajas and Gavino both return and look to be major offensive contributors after successful 2012 seasons with 3 and 4 goals respectively.
Goalkeepers Clint Long and Alex Caldovinos will look to keep opponents out of the Warriors’ net.  Long faced 7 shots in the Warriors first two games and only one was able to find its way past him.  The junior goalkeeper looks to continue his early success as the season continues.
After opening the season on the road in Idaho, the Warriors are back home and set to play Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. to face CCAA division rival Cal State San Bernardino. The Warriors will play Chico State on Sept. 15 at 2 p.m.
The Warriors will attempt to win another CCAA championship which takes place during the weekend of Nov. 8 through the 10.
With the winningest coach in the school’s history, a talented and young team and an evergrowing fanbase, Men’s soccer will be exciting to watch.