ROCKLIN, Calif. – Three different Bobcats scored a goal as the University of California, Merced men's soccer team earned its first win of the season, 3-1 at Jessup Saturday afternoon in the nonconference finale.
With the win, the Bobcats (1-0-3) remain unbeaten through four games for the third time in the last four years and for the fifth time overall in program history. UC Merced is one of the final three remaining unbeaten teams in the CCAA.
The Bobcats three goals marked their most since November 7, 2024.
Jose Vazquez scored in his 2026 debut, Felipe Lopez scored the game-winning goal in his UC Merced debut, and Erlin Gomez delivered his first career goal. All three Bobcats came off the bench.
Vazquez opened the scoring in the 42nd minute with a strike from the left side of the box. Omar Garcia and Carlos Miranda both moved the ball up the field to Vazquez, initially recovering possession off a Jessup throw-in in the Bobcats attacking third. Garcia headed the ball up the field directly off the throw-in and then Miranda put forth a clever pass to Vazquez, who was able to one-time it into the back of the net. Vazquez's goal was the second of his career.
The Bobcats, who carried the 1-0 lead into halftime, have now scored first in six straight nonconference road games dating back to last season.
The Bobcats eventual game-winning goal was scored by Lopez in the 61st minute and the Merced College transfer became the tenth Bobcat in program history to score in his UC Merced debut. Lopez scored from the top of the goal area off a feed from Danny Gaona. The Bobcats recovered possession near the center circle and Gaona took the ball all the way into the box, ultimately working through a double team to play it to Lopez for the goal.
Jessup cut the deficit in half seven minutes later with a variety of passes built from the back up, creating an open shot from 12 yards out that was then tapped it by Alessandro Velazquez on a rebound.
Gomez got the goal back for UC Merced in the 83rd minute with a brilliant effort inside the box. The Bobcats needed just three field players to touch the ball following a goal kick from Angel Joaquin. Matthew Aldana played it left side to Ezekiel Cruz, who dribbled approximately 30 yards down the left side and found Gomez in stride at the top of the box. Gomez's first touch pulled the keeper off his line and then he delivered a brilliant finish to secure the win.
UC Merced outshot Jessup 13-8 in the match, including 10-5 on frame. The Bobcats ten shots on goal were their most in a match since November 7, 2024. The Bobcats have yet to allow more than five opponent shots on goal.
Head coach Albert Martins' squad also won the corner kick battle 7-6 and committed just four fouls. However, UC Merced played the final 13 minutes down a man due to a red card (second yellow).
Abel Calvillo made a season-high four saves across 77 minutes in his third start of the year. Joaquin kept the game intact the rest of the way, stopping one shot.
Juan Lara and Braxton Fleming played all 90 minutes.
UC Merced improved to 5-0-2 all-time on the road against Jessup.
Up next, UC Merced will return home for the CCAA opener against Cal State Dominguez Hills on Friday, September 18. First touch is scheduled for 8:00pm on Bobcat Field.
*Jessup is currently reviewing the goals for assists for UC Merced's Garcia, Miranda, Gaona, and Cruz.
