CALDWELL, Idaho – The Mounties traveled to Caldwell, Idaho, for their final preseason game on Friday afternoon, suffering a 3-0 defeat against the University of California, Merced at Simplot Stadium.
The Bobcats opened the scoring early, with Yesenia Tijerina netting a goal in the 9th minute off an assist from Lexi Wright. Merced controlled much of the first half, outshooting the Mountaineers 8-2, but Eastern Oregon goalkeeper Rylee Schei made four saves to keep the deficit at one going into halftime.
The Bobcats extended their lead in the second half when Lexi Wright scored unassisted in the 49th minute. Tijerina added her second goal of the game in the 76th minute to secure the 3-0 victory for UC Merced.
For Eastern Oregon, Kaydence Martinez and Brooke Snyder each managed a shot on target, but UC Merced goalkeeper Alicia Lepe made three saves to earn the clean sheet. Schei finished the contest with six total saves, sharing the second half with reserve goalkeeper Hannah Krantz.
Scoring Summary:
- (8:12) UC Merced – Yesenia Tijerina (Lexi Wright)
- (48:21) UC Merced – Lexi Wright (unassisted)
- (75:36) UC Merced – Yesenia Tijerina (unassisted)
Match Stats:
- Shots: EOU 8, UC Merced 21
- Shots on Goal: EOU 3, UC Merced 9
- Saves: EOU 6, UC Merced 3
- Corner Kicks: EOU 2, UC Merced 0
- Fouls: EOU 8, UC Merced 9
Eastern Oregon will begin their conference schedule against The Evergreen State College on September 20th, with action set to kick off at 4:00 p.m. at Community Stadium.