MERCED, Calif. – Four different Bobcats scored a goal and the University of California, Merced men's soccer team knocked off The Master's University 4-1 in the season opener on Tuesday night at Bobcat Field.
The Bobcats (1-0) four goal output marked the most in a season opener since 2020.
With the win, the UC Merced extended its home winning streak to 12 straight matches and are unbeaten in 24 straight home contests dating back to 2021.
Kevin Capetillo highlighted the Bobcats offense with three points. He scored UC Merced's first goal of the season three minutes into the match and then assisted the game-winning goal later in the first half.
Barajas was credited with the game-winner in the 24th minute, while Daniel Borges and freshman Carlos Miranda extended the advantage late in the second half.
Tuesday night marked the third time in the last four home games dating back to last season that at least four different Bobcats scored.
Capetillo's goal, the first of the 2024 campaign for any Bobcat, came after he intercepted a defenders pass in front of the center circle and took it all the way to the top of the 18-yard box before banking in a ground ball shot far post.
The Master's turned in a nearly identical goal ten minutes later.
UC Merced then answered with the senior connection and Capetillo set up the GWG playing a through ball to Jesus Enriquez who got in the back but still tapped it to Barajas for the goal.
In the 77th minute, Borges received the ball near the center circle and accelerated vertically down the middle of the field before lasering a shot through two Mustangs from 20 yards out into the back of the net.
Miranda, the highly touted freshman out of Golden Valley High School in Merced, made a splash in his collegiate debut. He checked in with ten minutes to play and scored within his first minute of action. Miranda controlled a high ball while battling a defender and then took off down the right sideline, ultimately making his way into the corner of the box before burying his shot far post.
Miranda is just the fourth player in program history to score in his collegiate debut and the first since Capetillo on February 21, 2021.
UC Merced outshot TMU 14-7 on the night, 8-5 on target. The Bobcats also earned six corner kicks all coming in the second half.
Angel Joaquin was credited with four saves in his second career start between the posts. Center back Andres Alonso joined Joaquin for all 90 minutes.
Along with Miranda, Christian Khanishian, Jaycob Walker, and Miguel Serrano made their collegiate debut.
Up next, UC Merced will play at Fresno Pacific University on Thursday, September 12. First touch from Ramirez Field is scheduled for 7:00pm.
