MERCED, Calif. – The University of California, Merced men's soccer team fell 2-1 to Fresno Pacific on Wednesday night at Bobcat Field.
FPU opened the scoring in the 36th minute with an unassisted goal by Chris Macias and doubled its lead in the 83rd minute on a counter-attack finished off by Brandon Lopez.
Carlos Miranda got one of those goals back for the Bobcats with his first goal of the season with 1:37 left in the match. Miranda, who scored on a half-volley, struck from 15 yards out in the center of the 18-yard box. Juan Lara was credited with the assist as he sent the cross into the box from the midfield.
Miranda peppered the keeper all night long with three shots on frame. His goal was the eighth of his career.
UC Merced had a chance at an equalizer with five seconds left. The Bobcats were awarded a set piece near the endline from just outside the penalty area and it was Omar Garcia who took the attempt, but his shot missed high from a tough angle.
In the first half, Salvador Plancarte had one shot on goal off a corner kick. Thomas Knierieme held match-high with four shots overall, including taking three in the opening 20 minutes. His opportunities came from outside the box.
Jose Ontiveros took a bicycle kick attempt in his collegiate debut and he played 27 minutes off the bench. UC Merced was outshot 14-10.
Angel Joaquin made five saves between the posts for UC Merced.
FPU owned the corner kick advantage 7-2.
UC Merced's center backs Edwin Casillas and Plancarte logged all 90 minutes.
Up next, UC Merced will host Jessup on Saturday, September 20 at 6:00pm on Bobcat Field.
