MONMOUTH, Ore. – Omar Garcia scored in the 65th minute and the University of California, Merced defense stood strong to blank No. 22 Western Oregon 1-0 in the season opener on Saturday morning.
The Bobcats (1-0) victory is the first ranked win over a NCAA opponent in program history. Prior to the NCAA era that kicked off this morning for men's soccer, the Bobcats went unbeaten in their final nine regular season matches against Top 25 teams in the NAIA.
Garcia's game-winning goal came off Miguel Serrano's first career assist. Serrano played the ball to an unmarked Garcia in the top left corner of the 18-yard box and Garcia lasered a left-footed one-timer near post. The goal was Garcia's eighth of his career, fourth game-winner.
Angel Joaquin stopped six shots to post the season-opening shutout and the fourth clean sheet of his career. His first five saves came when the game was scoreless, including an impressive save in the 60th minute having to knock down a ball in a one-on-one situation. He made his final save in the 86th minute on a shot from ten yards out in a crowded goal area.
Edwin Casillas and Juan Lara also made key defensive plays down the stretch. In the first half, Casillas helped save a goal in an empty net. Casillas was also the Bobcat to recover possession at midfield and restart the offense that eventually led to the Bobcats game-winning goal.
The Bobcats managed to take eight shots, five on goal. Thomas Knierieme, Erlin Gomez, Carlos Miranda, and Garcia put a shot on frame. Three minutes after Garcia's goal, Christian Khanishian hit the post from 25 yards out.
Khanishian earned his first career start.
With the win, the Bobcats are now unbeaten in their last 17 regular season matches dating back to 2023.
Christian Gallo, Juan Lara, and Fernando Atilano made their UC Merced debut. Jose Vazquez made his collegiate debut.
Casillas, Salvador Plancarte, and Jaycob Walker played all 90 minutes on the backline.
Western Oregon entered the match after going 6-1 at home last season while averaging 2.9 goals per game.
Looking ahead, UC Merced will host Fresno Pacific University on Wednesday, September 10 at 7:00pm for the 2025 home opener.
