MERCED, Calif. - The University of California, Merced men's soccer team fell 2-1 to University of Antelope Valley on Friday afternoon in the first of a three-game homestand on Bobcat Field.

The Bobcats (4-2, 1-0) loss snapped an 18-match regular season home unbeaten streak. Head coach Albert Martins' team was 16-0-2 during the stellar stretch that dates back to September 12, 2018.

Antelope Valley scored its first goal on a penalty kick in the second minute. Their second goal came right before intermission and stood as the game-winner. 

Andres Lua scored in the 84th minute to cut the Bobcats deficit in half and give his team a chance at an equalizer, which they had multiple opportunities at in the final few minutes but were denied by Pioneers goalkeeper Angel Cruz.

Lua's goal was his second of the year and he scored it from the top of the 18-yard box after taking a few touches to his right. His right-footed strike ricocheted off a defender and over the goalkeeper's head.

Roberto Ceja was credited with his fourth assist of the year and has a team-high 12 points in the 2021 campaign. 

Despite the loss, the Bobcats outshot Antelope Valley 27-6, 13-5 on goal. UC Merced also won the corner kick battle, 13-1.

Both the Bobcats shots and corner kick totals marked the highest since February 21, 2021.

Lua held team-high with seven shots, three on target. Marcos Ceballos got off a season-high six shots, Juan Flores took four shots and a pair of Bobcats recorded three.

UAV's keeper Angel Cruz tallied ten saves, including a Ricky Rosas PK in the 70th minute. 

The Bobcats put high level pressure on Cruz in the final 20 seconds. Lua fired a shot from 15 yards out that nearly equalized the match but Cruz made a diving save to his left. The ball went over the touch line resulting in a corner.

With time ticking, Ivan Leon raced to the corner flag and took the kick with seven seconds remaining. Lua flew through the air to put himself in position for a header, however his shot one hopped to Cruz and he made the save. Cruz held the ball for the final two seconds of regulation to secure the Pioneers first win of the year.

Marco Sobrevilla and Brycen Miller split time between the posts for UC Merced. Sobrevilla earned the start and made three saves. Miller wasn't tasked with a save in his 45 minutes of action.

Up next, UC Merced hosts Simpson University on Friday, October 8, First touch from Bobcat Field is scheduled for 6:30pm.

*UC Merced's game scheduled for Sunday, October 3 was postponed due to poor air quality.