The University of California, Merced women's soccer team fought for 110 minutes Sunday afternoon against visiting Eastern Oregon University. Unfortunately, for as hard as they fought, they just couldn't find a way to find the back of the net as the two teams canceled each other out, finishing the game with a final score of 0-0.
If was a slow start for both teams Sunday, with only two total shots on goal being recorded in the first 45 minutes. Both of those were by the visiting Mountaineers, but neither of them were more than rollers that starter Maggie Morales picked up with no concern.
The second half definitely favored the Bobcats. As the time continued to run off the clock, UC Merced continued to push harder and harder.
Daisy Bonilla broke free during the second half and found herself on the receiving end of a beautiful cross from Ashley Bennett. Bonilla whipped her head, but unfortunately sent her header over the top of the net.
With the score still tied after 90 minutes, the two teams had 20 more minutes to decide a winner.
UC Merced had a great chance off a corner kick when a loose ball ended up bouncing toward Niccole Salm. Salm, with her back to the net, spun around and hit the ball on the volley, but unfortunately couldn't get around it enough and sent it agonizingly wide of the net.
As time was running out in the second overtime, the speedy Abbie-Leigh Meneses had a chance to put the pedal to the metal. With ten seconds left on the clock, she chased a ball towards the back post. Unfortunately even with her top-class speed, she couldn't quite get close enough to the through-ball, sending it harmlessly into the side of the net. It would be the last play of the game for either team, as the final horn sounded marking the end of the game.
The Bobcats played better and better as time ran out, leading the shots category 9-6 after the first half and 13-8 overall.
Gabby Vinco started the second half in net and finished the game for the Bobcats, making four saves and also playing large on any bouncing balls in the box.
The Bobcats have one more game on their three-game home stand, finishing it off on September 19th at 3:00 PM when they welcome William Jessup University.
