CHICO, Calif. – The University of California, Merced women's soccer team fell 2-0 to Chico State on Saturday afternoon at University Soccer Stadium.
The Bobcats, who had won two straight road games entering the match and were unbeaten in eight road outings overall this year, dropped to 7-2-5 and 4-2-4 in CCAA play.
Chico State's Mia Cook struck first in the third minute from the top of the goal area and Laila Hadid doubled her team's advantage on a counter attack in the 18th minute.
The Wildcats put seven of their nine shots on target, while the Bobcats had just two of their ten shots on frame.
Zamaya Rivera recorded the Bobcats first shot on frame in the 25th minute as she stole a goalkeeper pass inside the box and fired but her shot was saved.
Grace Rodriguez hit the crossbar in the 39th minute from 25 yards out.
Opportunities remained limited in the second half, but the Bobcats nearly got on the board in the final minute when Emilie Ruiz Mendez delivered a good ball into the box. Andrea Alvarenga Torres had her shot go off the post and then the Bobcats next shot was blocked and out for a corner kick.
Earlier in the second half, Jocelin Roa was involved in a physical play in the box and UC Merced challenged the play to see if a penalty kick would be granted after video review. However, it was confirmed that there was no foul on the play.
Alicia Lepe recorded five saves for the Bobcats. Her top save came in the 42nd minute, diving to her right on a shot from point blank range. She had a save just below the crossbar in the 60th minute.
Lizzie Ledesma logged all 90 minutes for the 12th consecutive match. Jacqueline Tamayo played all 90 for the third straight contest.
Ashanti Madrigal earned her first start in a UC Merced uniform.
Up next, the Bobcats will begin a three-match homestand against Menlo College on Thursday, October 22. First touch from Bobcat Field is scheduled for 4:00pm.
