HAYWARD, Calif. – The University of California, Merced women's soccer team fell to CCAA opponent Cal State East Bay 3-1 on Thursday night at Pioneer Stadium.
The Bobcats (3-1-1) loss was their first of the season.
Despite the loss, Yareli Hernandez scored her first goal of the season off assists from Lexi Wright and Macy Max. Wright has provided a point in three of the five matches so far.
Hernandez's goal was headed home off a corner kick that put the Bobcats up 1-0 in the tenth minute.
The Bobcats led for the next 13 minutes until the Pioneers broke through and scored on their first shot attempt of the match from Morgan Pearson.
It was even the rest of the half with both teams recording two shots, one on target from the Pioneers that was saved by goalkeeper Alicia Lepe.
Cal State East Bay picked up their quality chances in the second half and netted the eventual game-winning goal in the 50th minute off a corner kick. The 2021 CCAA Tournament Champions continued to put the pressure on the Bobcats and tallied six more shots and four more corner kicks leading up to the final buzzer.
The Pioneers added a third goal in the final minute with a penalty kick.
Shots were fairly close after full time with CSUEB outshooting UC Merced 11-9. The Pioneers won the corner kick battle 6-3.
Reigning California Pacific Conference Offensive Player of the Week Yesenia Tijerina recorded a match-high three shots, two on target. She played 83 minutes.
Preeya Singh logged all 90 minutes in her first start of the year. Katy Flores also played the full time.
Lepe was credited with a career-high five saves.
Up next, UC Merced will play at Cal State Monterey Bay on Sunday, September 22. First touch from Cardinale Stadium in Seaside, Calif., is scheduled for 2:00pm.
