MERCED, Calif. - Andres Lua scored two more goals for the University of California, Merced men's soccer team, but the Bobcats ended in a 2-2 draw after Hope International University netted an equalizer with 59 seconds left Saturday afternoon on Bobcat Field. 

With the draw and at the conclusion of a three-match homestand, the Bobcats (2-1-1) remain unbeaten in ten straight home matches dating back to last season.

Lua's brace comes just one game after recording his first career hat-trick and he moves within ten goals of the program's all-time goals record currently held by Artemio Contreras (48) and Cody Golbad (48). Lua currently has 39 career goals.

Andres Lua headed in his first goal against Hope in the third minute off the first career assist from Oliver Zamora. The goal scoring sequence began with a Kevin Capetillo corner kick, one of three corners the Bobcats earned on the day.

Lua scored his second goal in the 62nd minute to give the Bobcats a 2-0 lead. Agustin Guerrero and Kevin Capetillo were both credited with their second assist in as many games on the score. Anthoni Martin began the offensive threat by intercepting a HIU goal kick in front of the center line. Martin would then play it to Guerrero, who took a few uncontested dribbles before a through ball to Capetillo was followed by a ground ball cross and score.

Capetillo's assist was the 20th of his career, moving him out of a tie for sixth in program history with Ricky Rosas and into a tie for fifth with David Esparza.

Hope International cut the Bobcats 2-0 advantage in half in the 71st minute and netted an equalizer in the 90th minute. The equalizer that forced the draw was scored by the Royals top offensive threat, Dario Robles, finishing off a give-and-go with teammate Diego Lopez. The give-and-go started from approximately 50 yards out.

Hurrying with 59 seconds left after the restart of play, the Bobcats threatened to score a game-winning goal and had a free kick with 20 seconds left after Guerrero was fouled. The foul also warranted two yellow cards, one for the foul and another for something that was said. 

With 20 seconds left, Luis Villegas took the free kick from just in front of the center circle but no shot was recorded and the final horn sounded shortly after.

The 2-2 draw was the Bobcats first regular season draw since August 29, 2019. Saturday's match was just 90 minutes as a rule change over the summer mandated no overtime in regular season contests.

The Bobcats outshot Hope 12-10 over the 90 minutes and put half of their shots on goal. Lua and Robles, who both scored, shared match-high with three shots on goal. Robles had five shots overall. 

UC Merced committed just nine fouls, while Hope was whistled for 15. Hope received four of the six total cautions.

Other notables include the first career start for Los Angeles, Calif., native and freshman Omar Garcia.

Lua earned his 66th career start, putting him ahead of Juan Flores for the fifth most starts in program history.

Looking ahead, UC Merced visits William Jessup University on Monday, September 5 at 2:00pm for the final nonconference match of the season. California Pacific Conference play begins on Sunday, September 11 as La Sierra University comes to Bobcat Field.