RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The University of California, Merced men's soccer team fell 2-0 to La Sierra University in the California Pacific Conference opener on Thursday night at the Golden Eagle Soccer Complex.
The Bobcats (2-1-2, 0-1) loss snapped a 20-match regular season unbeaten streak dating back to the 2022 campaign.
La Sierra's Damian Jimenez scored the first goal in the 38th minute from ten yards out off an assist from Luke Poxon. Jimenez took his shot from the left side of box and placed his shot far corner.
The Golden Eagles Freddie Jaimez doubled the lead in the 70th minute, taking a throw in and getting into the box before scoring. That goal came with a one-man advantage as the Bobcats were shown a red card due to a second yellow in the 57th minute.
UC Merced outshot La Sierra 15-11, 11-10 on target. Jesus Enriquez led the Bobcats offensive efforts with three shots on goal. Thomas Knierieme and Roberto Ceja placed two shots on frame.
Daniel Borges nearly had a goal for UC Merced in the 32nd minute, volleying it over a defenders head, then the keepers head who left his line, before firing. However, another Golden Eagle defender made a save as he was waiting in front of the goal and made a chest save.
Early in the second half, the Bobcats stole a short groundball pass from La Sierra's goalkeeper and played it to Ashton Escamilla for a shot, but Paul Christensen made the save.
The Bobcats kept the pressure on throughout the game and got off two shots in the final five minutes, including a header from Enriquez, although both shots were saved in the comeback attempt.
Christensen made eight saves in the shutout.
Bryce Miller stopped seven shots, his second highest count of the early season. Miller played all 90 minutes, as did Kevin Capetillo and Oliver Zamora in the field.
UC Merced earned six corner kicks, limiting La Sierra to just one. La Sierra was also whistled for 17 fouls despite the win.
Up next, the Bobcats will play Providence Christian College at Villa Park Field in Pasadena, Calif., on Saturday, September 9. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00am.
