RIVERSIDE, Calif. - The University of California, Merced men's soccer team fell short in an attempt to win their third consecutive California Pacific Conference Tournament Championship, falling 2-1 to top-seeded Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on Saturday night.

The Bobcats (12-2-5) will continue their historic season in the NAIA First Round on Thursday, November 17. The Bobcats national tournament opponent and destination will be announced on Monday morning. 

All-Cal Pac Second Team selection Agustin Guerrero scored the Bobcats goal in the 81st minute from the corner of the goal box. The goal came off a set piece taken by Kevin Capetillo near the corner flag. Embry-Riddle's goalkeeper came off his line, and Guerrero lofted his shot over an Eagle defender near post and into the back of the net. Guerrero's goal was his second of the season.

The Bobcats were granted a few more free kicks in the closing minutes, and one in the final 20 seconds, but all free kicks were well defended by Embry-Riddle to hold the game at 2-1. 

Embry-Riddle scored both their goals in the first half. All-Cal Pac First Team selection and Cal Pac Newcomer of the Year Alex Frances found the back of the net in the 27th minute in the run of play, while Paul Fulop headed in a free kick for the eventual game-winning goal in the final minute of the first half.

Despite three goals, the two teams combined for just 12 shots. UC Merced outshot the Eagles 7-5, 6-4 on goal. Capetillo recorded the Bobcats first shot in the 13th minute. The rest of UC Merced's shots came in the second half, including two from Marcos Ceballos. Xavier Barajas challenged Embry-Riddle's keeper in the 54th minute.

Marco Sobrevilla was credited with one save.

UC Merced earned four corner kicks compared to the Eagles three. The Bobcats also forced Embry-Riddle into 25 fouls and five cautions.

When Andres Lua stepped on the field, he became the program's all-time games played leader having played in his 86th career game. Ricky Rosas was the previous record holder.

The Bobcats loss was their first since the season opener on August 25. The Bobcats put together a program-record 17-match unbeaten streak between the season opener and the Cal Pac Championship match.

Up next, UC Merced will await its seeding information for the 2022 NAIA Men's Soccer First Round. The NAIA Selection show is scheduled for Monday, November 14 at 10:00am, with the first round game scheduled for Thursday, November 17.