ARCATA, Calif. – The University of California, Merced women's soccer team posted its second straight shutout and earned a 1-0 win over Cal Poly Humboldt on Thursday afternoon at College Creek Field.
With the win, the Bobcats improve to 7-1-5 overall and 4-1-4 in CCAA play. The Bobcats, who have surpassed their win totals from a year ago, have now earned points against both the defending CCAA Regular Season Champion and CCAA Tournament Champion this year.
Sophia Ruys scored the game-winning goal in the 74th minute off a rebound from a Jocelin Roa shot. Ruys' game-winner was her second of the year.
The goal scoring sequence started with an Andrea Alvarenga Torres corner kick. Humboldt got the first touch, which came out to Roa in the corner of the box and then her one-timer was saved on the goal line by a Lumberjack defender. Ruys was right there in the goal area to chest the rebound into the net. Roa's assist was her first of the year.
Ruys' goal came while playing a woman down for the final 20 minutes due to a red card.
Despite the red card, the Bobcats outshot the 'Jacks 4-3 over the final 20 minutes and won the corner kick battle 3-1.
UC Merced outshot Humboldt 10-9 overall, 6-3 on frame.
Alicia Lepe notched her seventh shutout of the season and was forced into making three saves, including a save with three minutes left on a clean Lumberjack shot from the top of the goal area. Lepe made a diving save early in the first half.
Roa led the Bobcats in shots with four, including her shot that turned into an assist on Ruys' goal. Roa forced the 'Jacks keeper into a diving save in the 79th minute.
Sarai Fresquez also forced the keeper into a diving save with a free kick attempt at goal in the 22nd minute. Her shot on goal earned the Bobcats a corner kick.
Alexia Alva and Elisa Garcia also put together strong scoring chances.
Lizzie Ledesma and Lexi Wright played the full 90 minutes for the eleventh consecutive game.
Jacqueline Tamayo and Ruys also played all 90 minutes for the second time in the last three games.
Up next, UC Merced will play at Chico State on Saturday, October 17. First touch from University Soccer Stadium in Chico, Calif., is scheduled for 12:00pm.
