IRVINE, Calif. – The University of California, Merced men's soccer team fell 2-1 to Concordia University Irvine on Thursday night in the first game of a two-match road trip.
The Bobcats (1-2-1) scored first but couldn't find an equalizer after allowing the CUI goals.
CUI's eventual game-winner came in the 47th minute.
Christian Khanishian opened the games scoring in the 16th minute with his second goal in as many games. CUI defenders had trouble clearing the initial threat from Carlos Miranda and would end up playing the ball to Khanishian in the goal area, allowing the Bobcats sophomore to easily put the ball into the back of the net.
Following the goal, Miranda, Jake Perkins, and Salvador Plancarte each put a shot on frame in the next 15 minutes but the attempts were met with a save.
CUI, who outshot the Bobcats 12-8 on the night, responded in the 39th minute. The Golden Eagles sent a long ball up the field and then played a through ball to Jordan Toy inside the 18-yard box with the only keeper to beat. The pass pulled the Bobcats keeper Angel Joaquin off his line and Toy got into the corner of the goal area before firing his shot.
CUI also built its second goal from the defenders playing it up the field. Miguel Arroyo was on the receiving end 25 yards away from goal and used a couple touches to settle and then laser a shot to put his team up 2-1.
UC Merced was whistled offsides in an immediate attempt to equalize.
Scoring chances were limited after that until the late stages of the match. For Joaquin, he made a sliding save on CUI's best chance to score a third goal. He finished with three saves on the night.
The Bobcats put pressure on CUI late with a couple scoring chances from Miranda. The Bobcats also had two corner kicks in the final 15 minutes.
UC Merced's final opportunity came with 15 seconds left as Christian Gallo served a ball into the box attended for Thomas Knierieme that was headed out by a CUI defender. The ball came to Khanishian outside the box, and his final attempt from 20 yards out was blocked at the top of the box as CUI fended off the equalizer.
Physicality picked up late with four yellow cards being shown in the final two minutes. Each team was whistled for 10 fouls throughout the match.
Juan Lara earned his first start in a UC Merced uniform. Braxton Fleming made his season debut.
Up next, UC Merced will play at Vanguard University on Saturday, September 26. Kickoff from VU Soccer Complex in Costa Mesa, Calif., is set for 1:30pm.
