Chico State soccer sees split results against UC Merced

Chico State's men's and women's soccer teams faced UC Merced in recent matchups with contrasting results.

The men's team suffered a 5-2 defeat. Despite a season-high 20 shots and an early 2-0 lead established by Cooper Stephens and Jacob Tyberg, the Wildcats were unable to maintain momentum. UC Merced responded with two goals before halftime to tie the match 2-2, eventually pulling away in the second half with three unanswered goals.

In contrast, the women's team secured a 2-0 shutout victory on Senior Night. Sophomore Mia Cook opened the scoring early in the match, followed by a goal from senior Laila Hadid. The win moves the women's team into third place and a playoff position in the conference standings with three games remaining in the regular season.