MERCED, Calif. – The University of California, Merced women's soccer team picked up a 2-1 win over Fresno Pacific on Sunday morning at Bobcat Field.
With the victory, the Bobcats (5-0-1, 2-0) are unbeaten through six matches for the second consecutive year and for the fourth time in program history. Also with the win, head coach Roman DuChateau tied previous UC Merced women's soccer head coaches Megan Atoigue (2012-16) and Hannah Brown (2017-21) for the most wins in program history. All three have 48 wins with the Bobcats.
Andrea Alvarenga Torres recorded two more goal contributions, scoring a goal in the 9th minute and assisting the eventual game-winning goal to Jocelin Roa in the 20th. FPU scored its goal in the 30th minute as all three goals came in the first half.
Alvarenga Torres' goal was her second of the year and it came from the top of the box off an assist from Alexia Alva. Alva played a ball over the top to Alvarenga Torres that pulled the keeper out of the goal area, and the junior was able to chip it over the keeper on her first touch.
Alvarenga Torres connected with Roa on a set piece for the winner, delivering from the left side of the pitch and about 35 yards away from goal. Roa slipped behind the defense and scored by flicking it in with her left foot. Roa currently leads the CCAA with six goals, while Alvarenga Torres leads the CCAA and is tied for first in NCAA Division II with seven assists.
A possible third Bobcat goal a few minutes later was taken off the board with an offsides call.
FPU cut its deficit in half from the center of the box in the 30th minute after a Bobcats turnover.
Zamaya Rivera hit the crossbar in the 41st minute looking to get the goal back, which would be the final shot of the first half.
UC Merced outshot FPU 14-0 in the second half but the game held with a 2-1 result. Roa, Rivera, and Jacqueline Tamayo all peppered the goalkeeper with a shot on target. Rivera had three shots on target. Tamayo also had a shot hit the crossbar.
UC Merced outshot FPU 19-3 overall, 7-3 on goal. The Bobcats 18 shots marked their most since October 26, 2024. Roa tied her career-high with six shots. Rivera tied her career-high with five shots for the second straight game.
The Bobcats won the corner kick battle 7-3.
Alicia Lepe made two saves in goal for the Bobcats.
Lizzie Ledesma and Lexi Wright played 90 minutes for the fourth straight game. Alvarenga Torres and Tamayo went 90 minutes for the fourth time in the last five games, while Sarai Fresquez didn't come off the field for the second straight contest.
Looking ahead, UC Merced will start a three-match road trip at 3x defending CCAA Regular Season Champion and second-ranked Cal Poly Pomona on Friday, September 25 at 4:00pm.
