MERCED, Calif. – The University of California, Merced men's soccer team scored two late goals to beat Cal Poly Humboldt 2-0 on Friday afternoon in the 2025 home finale.
With the result, the Bobcats (3-8-2, 2-5-1) have won back-to-back games and have earned back-to-back shutouts for the first time this season.
Freshman Davian Lizarraga scored his first career goal for the game-winning goal in the 77th minute. Lizarraga received a through ball from Jake Perkins and sent his one-timer through the legs of a Lumberjack defender and into the left corner of the net. Perkins had a nice run towards the 18-yard box to pick up his second assist of the year and second goal contribution in as many games.
Thomas Knierieme doubled the Bobcats lead in the 84th minute heading in a cross from Lizzaraga. Knierieme got up higher than two defenders to put his shot into the back of the net for his second goal of the season. Lizarraga's assist was his first of his career. He is the second Bobcat this season with three points or more in a match, joining Jose Ontiveros.
The Bobcats controlled possession from the start outshooting Cal Poly Humboldt 10-0 in the first half. The shot count finished at 22-10 after 90 minutes, 8-4 on frame. UC Merced also won the corner kick battle 7-3.
UC Merced's 22 shots were a season-high. Perkins and Carlos Miranda recorded a career-high five shots each, one on goal. Miranda also hit the post late in the first half.
Omar Garcia tied his season-high with two shots on target.
Abel Calvillo recorded his second straight shutout saving all four shots he was tasked with. Three of his saves came when the game was scoreless, while his final save came in the 77th minute with a 1-0 lead. He is the first Bobcat with back-to-back solo shutouts since Brycen Miller in October of 2023.
Center backs Juan Lara and Braxton Fleming played all 90 minutes to help the shutout.
Cal Poly Humboldt had more fouls than the Bobcats, 12-8.
Up next, UC Merced will play at Cal State San Marcos on Sunday, November 2. Kickoff from The Cage is set for 2:00pm in San Marcos, Calif.
