ALAMEDA, Calif. – The Cal State East Bay women's soccer team built a two-goal advantage Friday before UC Merced rallied in the second half, as the Pioneers and Bobcats played to a 2-2 draw at Pioneer Stadium. East Bay moved to 2-6-1 overall and 1-3-1 in CCAA play.
The Pioneers struck first in the 26th minute. Vivianna Bravo set up Zeena Grewal, who found the back of the net to give East Bay a 1-0 advantage.
East Bay continued to create opportunities throughout the opening half, finishing the first 45 minutes with eight shots compared with six for UC Merced. The Pioneers carried their one-goal advantage into halftime.
East Bay added to its lead early in the second half. In the 53rd minute, Taylor Hodges connected with Kella Folkerts, who scored to extend the Pioneer advantage to 2-0.
UC Merced answered in the 64th minute when Makayla Day found the back of the net to cut the deficit to one. The Bobcats continued to apply pressure as the second half progressed, but East Bay remained in front entering the closing minutes.
The Pioneers had an opportunity to add to their lead in the 76th minute when Isabella Ramos put a shot on goal, but UC Merced goalkeeper Isabella LoForte made the save.
UC Merced eventually found the equalizer in the 87th minute when Jocelin Roa scored off an assist from Andrea Alvarenga, leveling the match at 2-2.
East Bay finished with 13 shots, placing six on goal, while UC Merced recorded 12 shots with seven on frame. Jenna McDonnell led the Pioneers with four shots, including one on goal. Folkerts recorded three shots, two on goal and a goal, while Grewal scored on her lone attempt.
Hodges finished with one shot on goal and an assist, while Bravo recorded the assist on East Bay's opening goal. Ramos also put her lone attempt on frame.
Yvette Torres played all 90 minutes in goal for the Pioneers and recorded four goalkeeper saves. East Bay held a 2-0 advantage in corner kicks during the opening half, while UC Merced generated all six of its corners after halftime to finish with a 6-2 edge.
The Pioneers earned a point in CCAA play with the draw and will return to action Sunday against Stanislaus State in Alameda.
