SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - The #24 California State University San Bernardino men's soccer team defeated UC Merced 3-2 Sunday afternoon at Premier Field in the first ever CCAA contest between the two universities.

With the win, the Coyotes improve to 6-2-3 overall on the season and 1-1-1 in CCAA play

The Coyotes got on the board first in the 13th minute when redshirt freshman Damian Gonzalez (Whittier, Calif.) got on the end of a corner kick to put the hosts ahead 1-0. Redshirt junior Luis Marin (Los Angeles, Calif.) and Anthony Morales (Orange, Calif.) each assisted on the game's opening goal. 

UC Merced leveled the score on a 26th minute penalty kick, but redshirt junior Julian Vazquez (Los Angeles, Calif.) gave CSUSB the lead right back in the 32nd minute. His second goal of the season was assisted by Morales and senior Tony Negrete (Hawaiian Gardens, Calif.). 

The Coyotes carried the 2-1 lead into the half, despite an 8-6 shot advantage for the Bobcats.

CSUSB played nearly the balance of the second half down a man after a 46th minute red card, but that did not stop the Coyotes from stretching their lead to 3-1 in the 55th minute. Off a Morales free kick, junior Jason Danks (Long Beach, Calif.) hopped on a rebound in the box and deposited it into the top netting for a two-goal Cal State San Bernardino lead.

UC Merced converted their second PK of the contest just 36 seconds after the Yotes had extended the lead, but never found the equalizer in the remaining 35 minutes.

Earning the win in goal was redshirt junior Donovan Palomares (Boyle Heights, Calif.). He turned aside one shot en route to the Coyote victory.

Next up, the Yotes will head on the road to face Chico State on Friday. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.