PRESCOTT, Ariz. – The University of California, Merced women's soccer team lost for the first time in Cal Pac play on Sunday afternoon, falling 2-0 to #14 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at Varsity Field. Embry-Riddle remains the final unbeaten team in league action.
The Bobcats (8-2, 5-1) recorded 13 shots on the afternoon, but were unable to score in an attempt to knock off their first nationally ranked opponent in program history.
Embry-Riddle struck first off a Rae Yoshioka free kick in the 23rd minute and the Eagles doubled their advantage from just outside the goal area two minutes before halftime. Kari Kasun scored the goal with Yoshioka registering the assist.
Embry-Riddle outshot UC Merced 17-13, 10-4 on target. Trinidad Quiroz recorded nine shots.
In the first half, Quiroz got near the goal area but Eagles goalkeeper and 2022 NAIA Third-Team All-American Annabelle Ruckle made a kick save. Quiroz had a couple other shots blocked. Yareli Hernandez also had an opportunity for UC Merced in the first half but the shot went high.
The Bobcats managed just two shots in the second half. As for Embry-Riddle, the Eagles had a shot hit the post in the final 45 minutes and Jadyn Gong made a save on a rebound attempt. That was closest the Eagles got to extending the lead.
Gong made a career-high eight saves for the Bobcats. With her defensive efforts, Gong passed Emma Broderick for fifth in program history with 68 career saves.
Up next, the Bobcats will host Park University Gilbert on Friday, September 29 at Bobcat Field. First touch is scheduled for 4:30pm.
