Merced, CA (November 14, 2025) — UC Merced men’s soccer players Christian Khanishian, Thomas Knierieme, and Juan Lara have earned CCAA Honorable Mention recognition, as announced by the conference office this week. This is the first CCAA honor in the trios career.
With the Bobcats honorees, UC Merced men’s soccer has had at least three members recognized in the all-conference awards for 12 consecutive seasons dating back to UC Merced’s time in the California Pacific Conference.
Khanishian led the Bobcats with eight points with three goals and two assists. The Modesto, Calif., native was one of two Bobcats to start all 16 games and he led the squad with 1,210 minutes played. Khanishian played all 90 minutes in four of the last five games and 80+ minutes in the last six. The sophomore had a four-match point scoring streak leading into CCAA action. He finished the season putting ten of his 20 shots on frame.
Knierieme started all 16 games on the year and scored a header on Bobcat Field against Cal State LA and Cal Poly Humboldt. His header goal against Cal State LA came in the conference opener, while his score against Humboldt was in the final home game of his career. He led the Bobcats with 28 shots overall and got off multiple shots in the final six games of the season. The Oakdale, Calif., native finished third on the team with 1,103 minutes played.
Lara anchored the Bobcats defense as a center back and contributed to three shutouts, including in two of the final four games. Lara started eleven of his 15 games played and ranked fourth on the team with 1,094 minutes. The Stockton, Calif., native played the full 90 minutes in the final three matches and in seven contests overall. He contributed offensively with an assist in the Bobcats home opener against Fresno Pacific.
UC Merced finished its first year in the CCAA picking up wins over Chico State and Cal Poly Humboldt, and earning a signature nonconference victory over then 22nd-ranked Western Oregon. The Bobcats played to an overall record of 3-10-3 and 2-7-1 in the CCAA.
