PRESCOTT, Ariz. – The University of California, Merced men's soccer team shutout Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 1-0 on Sunday afternoon at Varsity Field.
The Bobcats (6-1-3, 4-1-1) shutout was their first in Cal Pac play and the victory keeps the Bobcats in the top two spots in the standings at the halfway point of the conference slate.
Xavier Barajas scored the game-winning goal in the 36th minute, one-timing a Kevin Capetillo ground ball cross from the top of the 18-yard box. Barajas' goal was his first career GWG and his second career goal overall.
Michael De La Cruz helped start the goal scoring sequence by intercepting an Embry-Riddle pass in their attacking third and sending it to Daniel Borges in the center of the park. Borges then connected with Capetillo down the touchline. Capetillo's assist was his fifth in as many games.
UC Merced held Embry-Riddle without a shot on goal in the match and outshot the Eagles 14-8 overall. The Bobcats put seven shots on target. Jesus Enriquez recorded two shots on goal with five other Bobcats registering one. Enriquez nearly doubled the Bobcats lead shortly after Barajas' goal, but Embry-Riddle keeper Elias Ammon made a diving save.
UC Merced's defense held the opponent to just two first half shots with the final one coming in the 17th minute. After that, the Bobcats didn't allow Embry-Riddle to get off a shot until the 58th minute. In the 63rd minute, Embry-Riddle had a free kick from 30 yards out and hit the crossbar.
UC Merced's Capetillo and Roberto Ceja looked to double the Bobcats lead down the stretch but had both shots saved. Ceja's attempt came in the final 30 seconds.
Brycen Miller played all 90 minutes in goal and was not tasked with a save.
UC Merced's win at Embry-Riddle was their first since 2018. Overall, the Bobcats have won four of the last five regular season meetings against the Eagles.
Up next, UC Merced returns to Bobcat Field to host Park University Gilbert on Friday, September 29 at 7:00pm.
