IRVINE, Calif. - Freshman Jesus Ponce scored his first career goal in the 85th minute and Marco Sobrevilla earned a shutout to propel the University of California, Merced men's soccer team to a 1-0 win over Westcliff University on Friday afternoon.

The Bobcats (5-1-1, 2-0) have now started California Pacific Conference play with back-to-back shutout victories for the third time in the last four years.

Sobrevilla made four saves to earn his second shutout of the season and the tenth of his career. The Livingston, Calif., native becomes just the third player in Cal Pac history with at least ten shutouts, joining William Jessup's Zach Kammerer (2012-15) and Marymount's Ramon Garcia (2017-19).

Ponce's goal in the 85th minute marked the Bobcats latest game-winning goal in regulation since October 10, 2021. His goal was scored on the Bobcats 15th and final shot, four of which were on target throughout the contest.  Andres Lua was responsible for the Bobcats other three shots on target.

Lua held match-high with four shots overall. Four Bobcats recorded two shots. 

UC Merced outshot Westcliff 15-10 overall and won the corner kick battle 5-1. The bulk of the Bobcats offensive opportunities came in the final 15 minutes of the first half and the first ten minutes of the second half.

Westcliff played a man-down for the final ten minutes due to a double-yellow ejection of Lucas Tura. 

Overall, the officials whistled 46 fouls and issued eleven cautions.

Friday's match was the first ever meeting between UC Merced & Westcliff. The Bobcats have now beaten 23 different opponents in program history.

Looking ahead, the Bobcats will play University of Saint Katherine at Big Horse Ranch in Temecula, Calif., on Sunday, September 18. First touch is scheduled for 12:30pm.