WU Falls to Bobcats, Continues Hunt for First Win

WU Falls to Bobcats, Continues Hunt for First Win
September 16, 2023
By Francisco Claudio
 
The Westcliff women's soccer team hit the road to Norcal to play against the UC Merced Bobcats on Friday evening.
 
The team is still in search of their first win against a conference opponent as they will have to wait a little longer after falling to the Bobcats, 1-0.
 
It's been a tough start to the season, to say the least for the defending Cal Pac champions who have been plagued with injuries early on. 
 
The game was tight and after the first 45 minutes, both teams were at a stalemate with no goals.
 
UC Merced had more shots attempted over the Warriors, with 10-2.
 
The Warriors had a great opportunity to get on the scoreboard but weren't able to capitalize.
 
Five minutes later the Bobcats were celebrating instead after scoring the first goal.
 
Westcliff had one more chance in the 88th minute when Sammy Martinez hit one off the crossbar.
 
"That one stings," said head coach Jack Gidney. "I thought the team competed really well. Started to get some bodies back into the line up which helped us greatly. 
 
"I thought the team showed great unity and resilience. Defended excellently. Tactically made good choices. It was such a tight game."

The Warriors will have to quickly overcome this loss as they play on Sunday against Simpson University.
 
"I was encouraged by the team," Gidney said. "Their work rate, their unity, their effort. Now we have to keep this work until the soccer gods start smiling at us again."
 
Westcliff will have their work cut out against Simpson which is undefeated so far this season.
 
But the Warriors have had success against them.
 
Looking back to last season the Warriors defeated Simpson 3-1 which can be something that the team reflects on.
 
The Warriors have an overall record of 0-4-1 (0-3).
 
Sunday's game is on the road again and will have a start time of 12PM.