MERCED, Calif. – The University of California, Merced men's soccer team fell 2-1 to No. 21 Cal State LA in the Bobcats first ever CCAA match on Friday night at Bobcat Field.
Despite the loss, the Bobcats (1-3-2) struck first for the fourth consecutive match and pushed the nationally-ranked Golden Eagles to the wire. Cal State LA (4-0-4) is unbeaten through eight matches this year.
Thomas Knierieme scored his first goal of the season in the 31st minute heading in a corner kick by Christian Khanishian. Khanishian's assist was his first of the campaign and with the assist he extended his point-scoring streak to four matches.
Carlos Miranda looked to double the Bobcats lead with two shots before the horn but UC Merced's lead remained 1-0 at halftime. The Bobcats outshot Cal State LA in the opening 45 and held the Golden Eagles without an attempt for the final 20 minutes. Early in the first half, Salvador Plancarte saved a Golden Eagles shot on the goal line.
Offensive opportunities were there for both teams early in the second half. Three minutes in, the Bobcats stood strong on a Golden Eagle corner kick and Christian Gallo got the ball up ahead to Miranda on a counterattack. Miranda's shot from just outside the 18-yard box was saved. Shortly after, Plancarte headed a free kick over the post. On an ensuing free kick from Cal State LA 25 yards out, the Golden Eagles hit the crossbar.
Cal State LA found the equalizer in the 70th minute as Andreas Christou converted a penalty kick.
The Golden Eagles scored the eventual game-winning goal two minutes later directly off a free kick from 25 yards out.
UC Merced's next chance to score came immediately after as Knierieme's shot was blocked resulting in a corner kick. However, the Golden Eagles cleared the corner kick with ease.
On Cal State LA's counter, Jimmy Perkins made a sliding play to break up a cross in front of an empty net.
Inside of five minutes, Perkins was looking to contribute offensively but his shot from the corner of the 18-yard box was saved. The Bobcats final chance came on a Khanishian cross but the Bobcats weren't able to connect.
The Bobcats outshot Cal State LA 13-12 on the night. UC Merced put seven shots on frame, matching the season-high. The Bobcats also won the corner kick battle 6-4.
Juan Lara, Edwin Casillas, Jaycob Walker, and Gallo played the full 90 minutes. Angel Joaquin was credited with one save.
Also of note, seven players were shown yellow cards and 22 fouls were called.
Up next, UC Merced will host Cal State East Bay on Sunday, October 5 at 2:00pm on Bobcat Field.
