SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – The seventh-seeded University of California, Merced men's soccer team saw its season come to an end with a 3-0 loss to No. 2 seed and 21st ranked Cal State San Bernardino in the CCAA Quarterfinals on Sunday afternoon at Premier Field.
The Bobcats, who were making their first CCAA Tournament appearance in their first NCAA Division II postseason eligible year, finish their season 7-7-3 overall.
The game was scoreless at halftime before CSUSB broke through for the eventual game-winning goal in the 60th minute from the top of the box. A pass from the center line up over the top of the defense off a Bobcats turnover set up the game-winner. The Coyotes added to their lead in the 73rd minute from point blank range and converted a penalty kick in the 84th minute to finish the victory.
CSUSB outshot the Bobcats 20-7 on the day, but just 4-2 on target.
Omar Garcia and Christian Khanishian recorded the Bobcats shots on frame, including Garcia with the first opportunity for either team in the fifth minute. Khanishian's shot on goal came in the 40th minute from just outside the corner of the goal area and it earned the Bobcats a corner kick. UC Merced earned another corner right after and would go on to take five corner kicks throughout the match. CSUSB took just one corner kick.
Matthew Aldana registered three shots.
Angel Joaquin was in goal for the Bobcats and saved a penalty shot in the 68th minute, keeping the game 1-0 at the time. Joaquin made the save diving to his left.
Khanishian, Preston Nguyen, and Braxton Fleming played all 90 minutes for the Bobcats.
All-CCAA selections will be announced on Wednesday, November 4.
