SEASIDE, Calif. – The University of California, Merced men's soccer team fell 1-0 to Cal State Monterey Bay on Friday night at Cardinale Stadium.
The Bobcats (1-8-3, 0-5-1) held Cal State Monterey Bay to just two shots in the first half, but the Otters exploded for 18 shots in the second half and broke through for the games lone goal in the 61st minute off a corner kick.
UC Merced was outshot 20-10 overall, 8-2 on frame.
Bobcats goalkeeper Angel Joaquin battled all night and tied his career-high with seven saves. With his performance, he passed David Hernandez for fifth in program history with 81 career saves. Joaquin also passed Bernardo Garcia and David Hernandez for fourth in program history with 2,337 career minutes played.
Jake Perkins led the Bobcats offensive attack with a team-high three shots, one on goal. His shot on target came in the 48th minute from the top of the 18-yard box.
In the 77th minute, Juan Lara had an opportunity to tie the game from ten yards out but his shot missed high.
Thomas Knierieme and Christian Khanishian each took a shot in the next two minutes. Both shots came from the left part of the area. Knierieme's attempt was saved, while Khanishian's off a Knierieme cross missed left. The Bobcats were held without a shot for the final ten minutes.
CSUMB won the corner kick battle 4-3. The Bobcats also had to battle through 20 CSUMB fouls.
Lara, Khanishian, Braxton Fleming, and Preston Nguyen played the full 90 minutes.
Looking ahead, UC Merced will host Chico State for Senior Day on Sunday, October 26. First touch is scheduled for 11:30am at Bobcat Field. The Bobcats seniors will be celebrated prior to the match.
