College Soccer: UC Merced readies for Division II transition
The University of California, Merced (UC Merced) men's soccer team is gearing up for an exciting new chapter as they embark on a three-year transition from the NAIA to NCAA Division II competition. The team has unveiled its 2025 schedule, which promises a series of challenging matches as they adapt to their new league.
The season kicks off on the road against Western Oregon University on September 6, 2025. The schedule includes 16 matches, with five teams that made it to the national tournament last year and four nationally ranked opponents. The home opener is scheduled for September 10 against Fresno Pacific.
Jaycob Walker, a graduate of Central East, expressed his optimism about the future of UC Merced soccer. "There are a lot more games to go," he said. "There are a lot more games to play."
In other news, the team is dedicating its season to the memory of Isaias Ruiz, a person unrelated to the soccer team, who was tragically killed in a car accident involving a semi-truck on I-5 near Coalinga. However, the specific details about the team's emotional motivations or dedications are not publicly available at this time.
During the offseason, UC Merced soccer experienced a loss of one of its members, but the specific details of the departure were not disclosed. The specific conference that the team will be competing in at the Division II level remains undisclosed as well.
As the team moves forward, fans and supporters can look forward to a season filled with determination and resilience, as UC Merced soccer strives to make its mark in Division II. For detailed information about Jaycob Walker or a dedication to Isaias Ruiz, additional sources such as team press releases, player interviews, or local news coverage might provide that context beyond what is presently available.
[1] UC Merced Athletics, "UC Merced Men's Soccer Announces 2025 NCAA Division II Schedule", (Accessed 25th April 2023) https://ucmercedathletics.com/news/2023/4/25/2025-uc-merced-mens-soccer-announces-ncaa-division-ii-schedule.aspx
The UC Merced men's soccer team's schedule for their transition to NCAA Division II competition includes football matches, as they aim to challenge five teams that made it to the national tournament last year and four nationally ranked opponents. Jaycob Walker, an alumnus, has expressed his optimism about the future of UC Merced soccer, suggesting that there are many more football games to be played.
