MERCED, Calif. – A goal in the 57th minute from fifth-ranked Cal Poly Pomona was the difference maker as the University of California, Merced women's soccer team dropped a 1-0 contest to the defending national champions on Sunday afternoon at Bobcat Field.
Despite the loss, the Bobcats (6-4-3, 3-3) were suffocating defensively and allowed just six shots. The six shots were the fewest taken by the Broncos in their last 34 games dating back to September 12, 2024.
The Broncos breakthrough came from Marisa Salazer. CPP built the goal through the midfield and Salazar was on the receiving end of a through ball that led her right to the penalty marker and she needed just one touch before burying her shot lower right corner.
UC Merced held the Broncos without a shot the rest of the match.
The shot count finished 6-6 on the day.
Half of the Bobcats shots came in the final ten minutes, but the home team couldn't net the equalizer. Jariah Indalecio had the only shot from inside area but it missed left off a service from Macy Max. The Bobcats also had a corner kick and a couple free kicks in the attacking third in the closing minutes.
UC Merced took two shots in the first half, including an Elisa Garcia shot off a rebound in the fourth minute that missed right. The rebound came as the goalkeeper was unable to secure a cross from Trinidad Quiroz.
Quiroz shared match-high with two shots.
Katy Flores was responsible for the Bobcats lone shot on target in the 34th minute but it was saved by the leaping Broncos keeper Jenna Tetrault.
Alicia Lepe made three saves in goal for UC Merced. Preeya Singh and Max played all 90 minutes with Lepe.
The physical match saw a combined 28 fouls, 17 whistled against CPP. There were five yellow cards in the final ten minutes.
Looking ahead, UC Merced will play at Cal State Monterey Bay on Friday, October 24. First touch from Cardinale Stadium in Seaside, Calif., is scheduled for 7:00pm.
