CALDWELL, Idaho – The University of California, Merced women's soccer team played to a 1-1 draw against 13th-ranked College of Idaho on Sunday morning at Simplot Stadium.
The Bobcats (3-0-1) draw was their first point on the road against a nationally-ranked opponent in program history. Sunday also marked the first ever meeting between UC Merced and College of Idaho.
Yesenia Tijerina was the Bobcats goal scorer putting her team up 1-0 in the 62nd minute and extending her goal scoring streak to five consecutive games dating back to last season. Kaeley Cariglio was credited with an assist.
The goal scoring sequence started when Macy Max sent a long ball down the left sideline to Tijerina. Tijerina then played it to Cariglio in the middle and the threat pulled the Yotes goalkeeper off her line. Cariglio met up with the keeper and another defender near the penalty marker while dribbling and the ball ricocheted off the keeper and towards the empty goal where Tijerina tapped it in.
The Bobcats held College of Idaho scoreless for the first 76 minutes of action before former Boise State Bronco and the 2023 CCC Newcomer of the Year Alexis Eiguren buried a half-volley goal from 20 yards out. Eiguren held match-high with four shots overall.
Both teams put two shots on target following the equalizer in search for the game-winning goal. Lexi Wright took both of the Bobcats shots. The Bobcats also had to defend a corner kick.
Jadyn Gong was credited with five saves in goal and played all 90 minutes with Zitlali Herrera and Katy Flores. Herrera has played 353 of the 400 possible minutes this season.
A physical game saw the two teams combined for 24 fouls. No cautions were issued.
UC Merced's tie was their first since October 27, 2022.
Up next, the Bobcats will play at Cal State East Bay on Thursday, September 19. First touch from Pioneer Stadium in Hayward, Calif., is scheduled for 7:00pm.
