MONMOUTH --- The Western Oregon women's soccer team dropped its first contest of the season after a second-half goal by Merced led to a 1-0 loss for the Wolves on Thursday at WOU Soccer Field.

WOU (1-1-1 overall) and Merced (1-0-1) were scoreless with less than 20 minutes remaining in the contest when the Bobcats scored in the 73rd minute to take a 1-0 lead.

The Wolves were outshot 11-8 in the contest, including 6-1 in shots on goal.

WOU returns to action 2:30 p.m. Saturday when it takes on Eastern Oregon at WOU Soccer Field.