MERCED, Calif. - Andres Lua tallied his second hat trick of the season to make history and the University of California, Merced men's soccer team scored a season-high eight goals in a dominant shutout victory over Providence Christian College, 8-0 on Thursday night at Bobcat Field.

With the win, the Bobcats (7-1-4, 4-0-3) extended their unbeaten streak to eleven consecutive games and are a result away from tying the program-record. In Cal Pac play, the Bobcats are unbeaten through seven Cal Pac games for the second time in program history and first since 2018. The Bobcats are currently one of just two unbeaten teams in Cal Pac play.

Lua made history with his hat trick. Not only did he bring his scoring total up to a career-high 14 goals this season, the Le Grand, Calif., native tied Cody Golbad and Artemio Contreras for the most goals scored in a UC Merced career. Lua (2018-Pre.), Golbad (2013-16) and Contreras (2015-18) all share program-high with 48 career goals.

Furthermore, Lua joins Golbad as the only Bobcat with multiple hat tricks in a single season. Lua tallied his first hat trick this year on August 30 before adding another in the 8-0 win against Providence. Lua scored the eventual game-winning goal in the 18th minute, before scoring his second goal right before halftime and then he completed his hat trick in the 55th minute. He scored his first goal after an interception near the 18 yard box, while scoring his next goals off of set pieces.

The Bobcats led 2-0 at intermission before exploding for six second half goals. The shortest time between any two goals was 100 seconds between the Bobcats fifth and sixth goals. The Bobcats eighth and final goal was scored in the 85th minute.

The Bobcats other goal scorers on Thursday night in the squads top offensive showing of the season were scored by Marcos Ceballos, Jesus Enriquez, Jesus Ponce and Omar Garcia. Garcia recorded a brace for the first multi-goal game of his career. Ceballos' goal was his first of the season, while Enriquez's was his second in as many games.

Head coach Albert Martins' team combined for eight assists on the eight goals. Cristian Gaona led all players and recorded his first two assists of the year. Ceballos and Michael De La Cruz also had their first assist of the year. Edwin Casillias recorded the first assist in his career. Ponce, Diego Fresquez, and Agustin Guerrero also had an assist each.

UC Merced outshot Providence 28-1 in the win, both numbers were season-best's. Nineteen of the Bobcats 28 shots were on goal. 

Lua held match-high with ten shots, six on target. Ceballos recorded four shots on frame. 

The Bobcats earned nine corner kicks and have taken at least eight corners in three consecutive games.

Marco Sobrevilla earned the start between the posts and split time with Brycen Miller in the Bobcats fourth shutout of the season. Neither Bobcat was tasked with a save as the lone shot from Providence in the games final minute was well over the crossbar.

The Bobcats improved to 7-0 all-time against the Sea Beggars with seven straight shutouts. 

Looking ahead, the Bobcats host Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in a battle of the unbeatens on Saturday, October 15. First touch is scheduled for 1:30pm on Bobcat Field.