MERCED, Calif. – The University of California, Merced men's soccer team fell 3-1 to Cal State San Marcos on Saturday in the regular-season finale. Saturday was also Senior Day on Bobcat Field.
Despite the loss, the Bobcats (7-6-3, 6-6) have still qualified for the CCAA Tournament in their first eligible year.
UC Merced outshot the Cougars 14-9 and found an immediate first half equalizer, but conceded two second half goals in defeat.
The two teams scored just 49 seconds apart in the early stages of the first half.
CSUSM's Jesua Espinoza Castillo struck first in the 11th minute from just outside the box, lasering a shot into the upper right corner of the net.
Christian Khanishian brought the Bobcats level 49 seconds later with his fourth goal of the year. Built from the back up on the restart of play, Juan Lara and Matthew Aldana connected through balls through the center of the field down to Khanishian. In stride and with the goalkeeper well off his line, Khanishian's first touch from 20 yards out was his shot into the back of the net. Aldana and Lara each registered their third assists of the year.
Owen Billson had the best opportunity for either team the rest of the half in the 34th minute after a CSUSM turnover in their defensive half. However, Billson's shot from the top of the box was deflected out for a corner.
The game remained tied 1-1 at halftime.
Omar Garcia forced the Cougars keeper into a diving save 90 seconds into the second half.
Shortly after, Cal State San Marcos earned a penalty kick and the CCAA's leading goal scorer Cisco Avila placed his shot into the left side of the goal. The penalty kick conversion stood as the game-winner.
Cal State San Marcos made it 3-1 in the 59th minute as Matthew Ibarra headed in a cross that came in from the left side into the goal area.
CSUSM continued to pressure the Bobcats and earned four corner kicks in the next 12 minutes, though only one shot came out of it.
UC Merced managed to create chances later in the game but couldn't cut into the deficit. Danny Gaona took a shot directly off a free kick that was blocked by the wall, while Braxton Fleming and Jose Ontiveros put headers high on corner kicks. Jaycob Walker also had a couple shots.
Abel Calvillo made two saves in his fifth start in goal this season. Calvillo eclipsed 1,000 minutes played in a UC Merced uniform with his start.
Juan Lara played all 90 minutes for the 13th time this year.
Up next, UC Merced will play a CCAA Quarterfinal match on the road on Sunday, November 1. The Bobcats will learn their opponent on Thursday, October 29.
