MERCED, Calif. - The University of California, Merced women's soccer team fell 2-0 to Southern Oregon University Sunday afternoon on Bobcat Field.

The Bobcats (1-2-1) were shutout for the first time this season and for the first time at home since September 12, 2019.

Southern Oregon scored both of their goals in the first half. Mia Santander's goal in the 15th minute assisted by Sarah Mauk stood as the game-winner. Santander, who had just checked into the contest two minutes prior, scored from straightaway nearly 25 yards out. 

Mauk scored a goal of her own in the 24th minute off a cross to double Southern Oregon's advantage and it remained 2-0 the rest of afternoon.

Both teams took a half controlling possession. Southern Oregon outshot the Bobcats 9-2 in the first period, while the Bobcats came on strong out of intermission and outshot the Raiders 6-2.

Jocelyne Garcia was the biggest threat to Southern Oregon. Ten minutes into the second half, Garcia got behind the Raiders back line and fired a shot from the top of the goal box that forced Raiders keeper Jessie Selby into making a diving save. 

Garcia's attempt helped set up a UC Merced corner kick, however the corner didn't result in a shot.

Kylee Silva and Haylee Heffner had line drive shots stopped by Selby later in the half.

Selby finished with four saves on the afternoon.

UC Merced's goalkeeper Veronica Vazquez recorded three saves, one at the end of the first half and two immediately out of intermission. 

Six of the eleven Southern Oregon shots on Sunday came within the first five minutes of each half. They got off five shots in the first half before the Bobcats were able to get their first shot off.

Freshmen Lilly Boucher and Haylee Heffner earned their first career start in the setback. 

Alex Carpenter made her collegiate debut.

Looking ahead, UC Merced hosts Cal State East Bay on Saturday, September 18 to complete their three-game game homestand and the 2021 nonconference slate. First touch from Bobcat Field is scheduled for 5:00pm.