GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The University of California, Merced men's soccer team earned a 1-1 draw at Colorado Mesa on Saturday afternoon.
The Bobcats (0-0-3) draw was their third straight and UC Merced remains unbeaten through three games for the third time in the last four years. UC Merced is also one of the final four unbeaten teams in the CCAA.
Christian Khanishian put the Bobcats on the board with a first half goal for the second straight game, finding the back of the net in the 22nd minute. The Modesto, Calif., native is the first Bobcat with a goal in consecutive games since he last did so in September of 2025. Khanishian is up to seven career goals.
Similar to Thursday, Ezekiel Cruz was credited with the assist. Cruz is the first Bobcat with an assist in two straight outings since the program's all-time assists leader Kevin Capetillo went back-to-back games with an assist in November 2024.
Colorado Mesa tied the match on a penalty kick in the 40th minute. Prior to the PK, the Bobcats had withstood eight Maverick shots and five corner kicks.
Overall, Colorado Mesa outshot the Bobcats 19-14 and won the corner kick battle 7-6. However, UC Merced made the Maverick shots difficult as the Mavs only put three of its 19 shots on frame. The Bobcats registered seven shots on goal, including at least one from six different players. Khanishian put two on frame.
Angel Joaquin made his first start between the posts in 2026 and collected two saves. With his two saves, Joaquin passed Brycen Miller for fourth in program history with 83 career saves.
Juan Lara played the full 90 minutes for the third straight contest helping Joaquin defend, while Joey Alvarez logged the full time for the first time in his career.
Jose Ontiveros made his first start of the season. Fernando Atilano and Mateo Bueno recorded their first action of the early season.
Up next, UC Merced will finish its three-game road trip at Jessup on Saturday, September 12 at 2:00pm in Rocklin, Calif.
