CARSON, Calif. – The University of California, Merced women's soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision to Cal State Dominguez Hills on Friday night at Dignity Health Sports Park.
The Bobcats (4-3-3, 1-2) scored first in the 50th minute, but CSUDH answered quickly with two goals in the next ten minutes to earn the victory.
Elisa Garcia scored the Bobcats goal off a rebound. Trinidad Quiroz fired off the initial shot that the goalkeeper couldn't handle cleanly and Garcia was there at the top of the goal area to blast her shot into the back of the net. Garcia's goal was her first of the year.
Quiroz's assist was also her first of the year. It was her 13th career assist, moving into a tie with Bella Spiva for ninth on the program's all-time assists list.
The Toros got on the board two minutes later. CSUDH built their goal from the back up and it was Alexis Delgado who avoided a tackle from the Bobcats defense to have a free run at goal and beat the goalkeeper one-on-one.
CSUDH took the lead in the 58th minute off a set piece. The Toros took the free kick from just outside the 18-yard box and played the ball near the marker that Kaylee Leavitt took one touch and then fired across her body into the corner of the net.
Despite the loss, the Bobcats outshot the Toros 16-11 on the night. UC Merced put nine shots on frame compared to the Toros six. UC Merced also won the corner kick battle 3-0.
UC Merced came close to an equalizer in the 70th minute as Macy Max put a header on target off a cross from Lexi Wright. Max's attempt was knocked down, but not corralled, however Max's follow missed high.
Wright played another great ball into the box shortly after. Quiroz was on the receiving end in stride but her shot couldn't get by the Toros keeper.
Quiroz took two more shots in the next five minutes that missed right.
Quiroz tied her season-high with nine shots on the night. She put five on frame.
Continuing to build chances, UC Merced earned a set piece in the 85th minute from 30 yards out but CSUDH stood strong defensively.
Max and Preeya Singh logged the full 90 minutes.
Alicia Lepe recorded four saves between the posts.
Up next, UC Merced will play at Cal State San Bernardino on Sunday, October 12. First touch from Premier Field in San Bernardino, Calif., is scheduled for 2:00pm.
