ALAMEDA, Calif. – The University of California, Merced men's soccer team fell behind early but erupted for four unanswered goals to beat Cal State East Bay 4-2 on Friday afternoon at the Oakland Roots Training Facility.
The Bobcats (3-3-3, 2-3), who tied the game at halftime and took a lead early in the second half, scored four goals in a game for the first time since November 7, 2024. Also of note, UC Merced's win after trailing 2-0 is the Bobcats biggest comeback win since October 10, 2021.
Matthew Aldana highlighted the Bobcats offense with his first career goal and added to his memorable day with his first career brace. Davian Lizarraga and Jose Vazquez each scored their first goal of the season and second of their careers. Lizarraga returned from an injury to play his first game since September 3.
UC Merced outshot Cal State East Bay 22-11, including 10-6 on goal. The Bobcats 22 shots are their most since October 26, 2024. UC Merced also won the corner kick battle 10-8, the Bobcats most corner kicks in a game since October 15, 2025.
Lizarraga put in the Bobcats first goal in the 32nd minute from the top of the goal area. Christian Khanishian delivered a cross to the penalty marker and Erlin Gomez was able to play it on one-touch to Lizarraga, who then blasted the one-timer into the back of the net.
Aldana knocked home a rebound off a Lizarraga shot in the 44th minute to bring the Bobcats level 2-2. Khanishian was also in on the threat as he sent a shot in from the corner of the box that hit the post. Lizarraga's initial rebound attempt was blocked before Aldana finished the play for his first career goal.
Aldana scored the eventual game-winning goal off a corner kick combination in the 49th minute. Aldana played a short corner to Khanishian and then received the ball right back to take shot at goal and his attempt got through the defense and past the keeper for the score. Khanishian's two assist game was the first of his career and the first by any Bobcat on the road since October 26, 2024.
Vazquez secured the win in the 86th minute from eight yards out off a ground ball cross from Lizarraga.
Angel Joaquin made four saves in goal and passed Bernardo Garcia for fifth all-time with 16 career wins.
Juan Lara and Khanishian played the full 90 minutes, Lara for the seventh time this season.
Owen Billson made his collegiate debut.
Up next, UC Merced will host No. 6 Cal State San Bernardino on Sunday, October 4. First touch from Bobcat Field in Merced, Calif., is scheduled for 11:00am.
