[Box score]

IRVINE, Calif. - Kristin Mijares' goal in the 66th minute was the difference in the match as Cal State LA prevailed over UC Merced, 1-0, in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Soccer West Regional.
 
This was the second time these two teams faced off in less than a week, after meeting in the finals of the CCAA Tournament last Saturday in Pomona.
 
The match had the feel of two teams familiar with each other, as it was tied 0-0 at halftime, with each team having four shots.
 
In the second half, Cal State LA started to gain a slight edge, outshooting UCM 9-5 and finally breaking the scoreless tie in the 66th minute with Mijares' goal following a corner kick. Cal State LA put the ball in the box, but a Bobcat defender headed it away to the top of the box. Mijares collected the loose ball and did not have a moment of hesitation to shoot. She launched the ball through the crowd in front of the net and into the back of the goal, giving the Golden Eagles the lead.
 
UC Merced searched for the equalizer over the final 24 minutes but was unable to solve the defense of Cal State or beat its keeper, Kendyl Sumlin. She finished with one save. Meanwhile, UC Merced's Alicia Lepe made seven saves.
 
Cal State LA will advance to the second round of the NCAA West Regional, where it will face the No. 2 seed Concordia.