MERCED, Calif. – The University of California, Merced women's soccer team fell 1-0 to Cal State East Bay on Sunday afternoon.
The Bobcats (4-2-3, 1-1) loss was their first in CCAA play.
Cal State East Bay, who improved to 2-0 in the league, broke through in the 82nd minute as Kella Fulkerts slid towards the goal and tapped the ball in right at the goal line on a feed from Taylor Hodges.
UC Merced outshot Cal State East Bay 12-6 on the day, but only three shots were on target.
Trinidad Quiroz and Lexi Wright shared match-high with three shots. Wright put one on frame. Isis Cosio and Jariah Indalecio also challenged the Pioneers keeper with a save. Cosio's shot was from the middle of the box in the 41st minute. The Turlock, Calif., native made her Bobcat Field debut.
In the 62nd minute, Quiroz made an impressive spin move to get a shot off inside the box but it missed right. Her two other shots came in the fifth minute and 80th minute.
Shortly after Quiroz's strong attempt in the 62nd minute, Jackie Tamayo attempted a bicycle kick goal on a ball played in over the top by Wright.
UC Merced won the corner kick battle 10-2. The Bobcats earned five corners in each half. Head coach Roman DuChateau's team had three corners in the final ten minutes, two in the final minute. The last one during the ten-second countdown was intended for Quiroz, but the Pioneers keeper punched it away before Quiroz could get a head on it.
Alicia Lepe earned the start in goal for UC Merced and was credited with two saves.
Preeya Singh, Macy Max, and Lizzie Ledesma played the full 90 minutes.
UC Merced had 15 fouls called against them compared to East Bay's nine.
UC Merced's loss was their first home loss since the 2022 campaign. The Bobcats home unbeaten streak stretched 17 matches.
Up next, UC Merced will play Cal State Dominguez Hills on Friday, October 10 at Dignity Health Sports Park. First touch is scheduled for 7:00pm.
