COSTA MESA -- The first contest of the 2026-27 school year, and the first match between VU and UC Merced in women's soccer, did not end in a victory for the hosting Lions. UC Merced led on the scoreboard and the shot counter from the 18th minute on, as the Bobcats won 4-0.
What Happened? The Lions debuted several freshmen in the starting 11, with
Jennifer Alvarez,
Mia Ochoa,
Naia Kaulukukui, and
Aneala Sibayan getting nods. After
Olivia Weidner made the game's first save,
Caelyn Armijo got the first shot of the year for the Lions, as the junior got her first career start as well. However, from then on, the Bobcats had the better of the action.
UCM made it 1-0 in the 18th minute after a long ball caught Weidner out of the goal.
Lily Fama made the save via her head on the line, and Weidner made a save as she returned to her net. However, UCM recycled the ball to the top of the box, and quick passing phase resulted in a clean shot that pegged the top corner of the goal. The sequence saw Weidner get injured too, resulting in
Grayton Normand receiving her first collegiate call to the field.
The Bobcats maintained a firm grip on the tactical situation until the second water break of the half led to the Blue and Gold getting some positive possession. The Lions moved the ball across the formation well during the final 15 minutes, with
Kaylee Cuttress coming close to leveling the score in the 43rd minute. From 20-plus yards out, she unleashed a shot that cleared the outstretched arm of the goalie but thumped off the crossbar to keep VU off the board.
Alvarez hit the plumbing just four minutes into the second half, as the posts denied Vanguard a second goal, but unfortunately, that was it for the scoring chances for the Lions. The Bobcats scored in the 55th, 78th, and 90th minutes, with the last coming off a deflected shot that was slotted home with five seconds remaining.
The Lions had four shots in the game, with Alvarez and
Abby Trujillo getting their first career shots.
What's Next? CSU Dominguez Hills comes to town on Saturday for a noon game.
