University of California Merced Men's Soccer Falls To Oaks 1-0

Photo is courtesy of University of California Merced

Although the score didn't fall in favor of the University of California, Merced men's soccer team Tuesday afternoon, there was definitely never a dull moment in the 1-0 loss.

The Bobcats started from behind against Menlo College in their season-opener, conceding a goal just three minutes into the game.

After the kick in the teeth to start, the Bobcats recovered and, after a fiery halftime speech, started to play their own style of soccer. Sparked by the speed of Christian Basulto and Derick Zamora, UC Merced had turned the page and was consistently putting pressure on the Menlo defense.

After a game filled with fouls, cards, and a bit of referee controversy, things hit a boiling point in the 76^th minute after a scuffle in the Menlo box led to two Oaks players being ejected, including the starting keeper.

Holding a two-man advantage, the Bobcats threw everything they could into the box for the final 15 minutes of the game.

Three different times the Bobcats hit the crossbar or post in those final 15 minutes, but it just wasn't mean to be. Despite the 13-7 advantage in shots, UC Merced were stuck with the season-opening loss.

Starting keeper Alan Ochoa made three saves in the start, while Bernardo Garcia came off the bench to start the second half and was untested.

The Bobcats will get more than a week to think about the game, as their next match won't come until September 2^nd when they travel to The Masters College. That game starts at 4:00 PM.