Santa Barbara, CA—The UC Riverside Men's Soccer Team (5-12-1, 4-5-1) had just one shot on goal in its Big West Tournament First Round match at UC Santa Barbara (6-8-5, 4-3-3) on Wednesday night, but that was all it needed. Junior forward Eduardo Sanchez shielded off a defender to fire in the game's only goal in the 88th minute, giving the Highlanders their first ever Big West Tournament win.

(View all-time UC Riverside Big West Tournament results)

GAME NOTES
The Highlanders have now won a season-best three consecutive matches, going unbeaten over their last four outings. This ties their fourth-longest unbeaten streak ever against Big West competition.

Eduardo Sanchez becomes the third Highlander ever to score in the Big West Tournament. It was his third goal of the season, good for second on the team.

Chris Ortiz-Lopez was credited with the first point of his UC Riverside career with an assist on Sanchez's game-winning score.

The Highlanders earned their first victory over the Gauchos since Oct. 22, 2011. UC Riverside was 1-11-1 all-time in games at UC Santa Barbara prior to Wednesday's match.

UCR will now travel to play Cal State Fullerton this Saturday, November 4. Kickoff is slated for 7 pm PT.