MERCED, CA- The Soka University Lions were defeated by the (RV) UC Merced Bobcats 3-2 on Sunday afternoon at Bobcat Field.

The Bobcats were the first to get on the scoreboard scoring in the 17^th and 27^th minutes of the game.

The Lions answered back in the 28^th minute after sophomore defender Harrison Gilmer connected his pass to junior midfielder Masahiro Otsuka. Otsuka threaded his pass through two UC Merced defenders finding senior midfielder Yauri De Groot in stride just outside of the 18-yard box.  De Groot slipped his shot first-time into the goal, bringing the score to 2-1.

Three minutes later, the Bobcats' Bryan Henrique Rivera netted what would eventually be the game winning goal after slotting his shot into the bottom left corner, beyond the reach of Soka's outstretched Maxwel Barainca.

Soka, relentless in their quest to equalize, were able to convert their second goal in the 54^th minute. Soka's De Groot blasted his shot from 25-yards outside of the 18-yard box, hitting the crossbar. The shot's deflection landed at sophomore Gerardo De La Torre's feet. De La Torre finished first time, and into the back of the net, bringing the final score to 3-2.

"We were beaten by a very good UC Merced team today with a lot of talent, and a lot of depth," said Head Coach Ian Eggleston.  "Our guys were terrific though, and definitely made it a close one with several chances to tie it up at the end. Our work rate, attitude, and intensity was spot on today, and we're very proud of the team. We're looking forward to getting back to our home field for the next three games."

Up next, the Lions return home to host the La Sierra University Golden Eagles on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
 
 




 
NOTES: This is the eighth meeting between the Lions and the Bobcats… Soka is now 3-5 against UC Merced… the Bobcats outshot the Lions 19-8… Soka's Barainca made eight saves on the day… The Lions are now 8-5 and 4-3 in Cal Pac Conference play.