DALTON, Ga. – The University of California, Merced men's soccer team had its 2023 season come to an end with a 4-1 loss to #2 Dalton State College on Saturday night in the NAIA National Championship Second Round.
The Bobcats conclude their season 13-4-3, highlighted by an undefeated home record and a seventh straight berth to the national tournament.
UC Merced and Dalton State played to a scoreless first half before the Roadrunners struck twice within the first ten minutes after intermission and extended their lead to 3-0 in the 63rd minute. Dalton State scored their first three goals from inside the box, including heading in their third goal from a cross.
Roberto Ceja put the Bobcats on the board in the 70th minute with his third goal of the NAIA National Championship Opening Round off an assist from Kevin Capetillo. Ceja, who had three goals over the NAIA National Championship First and Second Round, got behind the defense and then beat the goalkeeper one on one. Ceja's three goals are tied for the most in UC Merced's national tournament history with Andres Lua.
Dalton State, winners of three of their last four national tournament games dating back to last season, finished the scoring in the final minute after earning a free kick.
Dalton State outshot the Bobcats 18-7 and won the corner kick battle 4-0. Ceja and Capetillo took two shots for UC Merced, each putting one on frame.
Brycen Miller finished with four saves, including a diving save in the 12th minute on the first shot of the game. Miller caught a line drive towards the end of half to keep the game scoreless through 45 minutes. With his four saves, Miller moved ahead of David Hernandez for fourth all-time in program history with 80 career saves.
Ceja and Thomas Knierieme had the Bobcats best scoring opportunities in the first half but both missed wide.
The duo finishes the year tied for second on the Bobcats with seven goals behind Borges' 13.
Capetillo's assist to Ceja in the 70th minute gives him a team-best eight on the year, marking his fourth straight year with at least eight assists. He is the only player in program history to accomplish that feat.
Follow UC Merced men's soccer in the offseason by visiting ucmercedbobcats.com or by following @ucmercedmsoc on social media.
