The University of California, Merced women's soccer team got back to their dominant ways Wednesday afternoon when they welcomed Bethesda University of California to the Lake Field. The Bobcats walked away with a 3-0 victory, earning their seventh win in eight games.
For the majority of the first half the Bobcats dominated possession, but were unable to find the back of the net. That changed in the 44th minute when Elizabeth Cruz found herself in the right spot at the right time, following up a shot that had ricocheted off the post and punching it in to give UC Merced the 1-0 halftime lead.
The second half started much like the first, as the Bobcats continued to dominate on the ball. That hard work paid off again in the 59th minute. Desiree Coles, who has recently done her best Steph Curry impression with her ability to score from long-range, ripped a free-kick from over 30 yards out into the top corner of the net to double UC Merced's lead.
That lead would only grow before the final whistle when Noodles Sidhu played a perfect through ball to Bridget Villanueva. Villanueva took the ball in stride and calmly bent the ball around the Bethesda keeper to give the Bobcats their final 3-0 score.
While the Bobcats didn't hold Bethesda without a shot, which they've done to opponents twice this season, they were almost perfect. The Flames managed only one shot, which starting keeper Maggie Morales easily saved.
UC Merced, on the other hand, had no problem firing away at the net. The team racked up 31 shots in the win. They also added seven corner kicks.
The Bobcats hit the road for their next game, heading to Tahoe Vista, CA to take on Sierra Nevada Saturday. That game starts at 1:00 PM.
