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UCM Loses in NAIA Quarterfinals
Posted: Dec 05, 2024

UCM Loses in NAIA Quarterfinals

UC Merced's record-setting run into the postseason came to a halt Thursday when the Bobcats fell to #5 College of Idaho, 2-1, in the Quarterfinals of the NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship at Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex in Pensacola, Fla.  The Bobcats, the first team in any sport in UCM history to reach the NAIA Quarterfinals, was also the first California Pacific Conference women's soccer squad to advance to the Quarterfinal Round of the national tournament.  With the setback, UCM dips to 3-2 all-time in the NAIA postseason, with all three wins coming via the shutout.

Box Score | Final Site Schedule | Championship Bracket

UCM (12-4-2) and CI (20-0-2) met earlier this year on Sept. 15 in Caldwell, Ida., and played to a 1-1 draw.  And the rematch between the two stellar defenses was just as physical.  Neither team was able to get a shot on goal in the first half, and for the match, the Yotes edged the Bobcats just 3-1 in shots on goal.

Entering the game, UCM ranked third among the 201 teams in the NAIA in Goals Allowed Average with a miserly six goals allowed in 17 matches (0.35), trailing only Cal Pac co-champ Westcliff (0.25) and Oklahoma Wesleyan (0.19).  CI ranked ninth at 0.57 goals allowed in 21 matches.  UCM registered 13 shutouts prior to the Quarterfinal match, and the Yotes have posted 12 clean sheets.

When two Top 10 defenses go head-to-head, the outcome often hinges on simple mistakes, and that was the case in this postseason match.  The Yotes first score came on a penalty kick by Alexis Eiguren in the 6th minute, and she struck again in the 52nd minute when Alicia Lepe's clear was deflected and picked up by Eiguren, who quickly slipped it into an open net.

UCM scored on an own goal in the 62rd minute when Alondra Higareda's boot was inadvertently tapped in by a CI defender.

 

NAIA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

At Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex | Pensacola, Fla

Monday, Dec. 2

Round of 16

UC Merced 3, Campbellsville (Ky.) 0

 

Thursday, Dec. 5

Quarterfinals

College of Idaho 2, UC Merced 1

 

Saturday, Dec. 7

Semifinals

 

Monday, Dec. 9

NAIA Championship