There were highlight-reel moments for both teams Thursday afternoon when the University of California, Merced women's soccer team welcomed Hope International University to the Lake Field for the first time in program history. Unfortunately, those highlight-reel moments offset each other, and the result was a 1-1 double-overtime draw between the Bobcats and the Royals.
The first half hour was actually the opposite of highlight-reel quality, as both sides had their share of possession, but neither were able to break through. Hope International saw a bit more of the ball in the opening 30, but the Bobcats' defense was able to thwart any real threats.
The highlights started shortly thereafter. Elizabeth Cruz, playing in her first home official home game since August 25th, 2015, reminded the home fans just how valuable she is to the team. Bridget Villanueva carried the ball down the right side of the field in transition. About two dribbles away from crossing the ball, Cruz made the classic forward run all great goal-scorers make, darting at an angle across the box towards the near post. Villanueva served the cross on a platter and Cruz clinically tucked it into the back of the net off a header to give the home team the 1-0 lead.
That 1-0 lead was only enjoyed for a handful of minutes though, as Hope International pumped out a highlight goal of their own, burying a long range set piece into the top corner to bring the game back to even.
That's the way it would stand for the rest of the half.
The Bobcats almost got a golden opportunity for a goal when Villanueva appeared to be dragged down in the box with the ball. Unfortunately for the home team, the head referee saw it differently, holding off on calling a penalty kick, and play resumed.
Late in the second half the Bobcat nearly bagged a game-winner. Ashley Bennett brought the ball down the left side and tried to curl one into the far side of the net. The shot needed another three inches of curve, because it ultimately clanged hard off the far post. Niccole Salm gathered the loose ball, turned and fired it at the net, only to see it blocked by a Royal defender for a corner kick,
With both teams running close to empty after 90 minutes in 95-degree heat, both overtime periods were a true test of endurance. Aside from a few long-range shots, or through balls that never reached the intended runner, the extra 20 minutes of time came and went rather uneventfully.
With a hard-fought draw against a strong GSAC opponent, the Bobcats can now look ahead to this weekend. They'll host Eastern Oregon University, who received votes in the national poll this season. That match starts at 2:00 PM this Sunday.
