RIVERSIDE, Calif.- The UC Riverside Men's Soccer Team is poised to open Big West play this week hosting UC Irvine Wednesday night before heading to Cal Poly for a Saturday night matchup. After a slow start to the season, the Highlanders will take the momentum of a two-match win streak into conference competition.

Visit gohighlanders.com/tickets to purchase tickets for Wednesday's match.

SCOUTING THE ANTEATERS
UC Irvine comes to Riverside with a record of 6-4-1 after dropping its last two matches to two competitive programs in Pacific and No.10 Saint Mary's. They are lead offensively by junior Jose Ortiz who knocked in six goals during non-conference play.

SCOUTING THE MUSTANGS
Cal Poly currently sits at 4-4-1 but has already opened conference play taking a big win over UC Santa Barbara this past Sunday. The Mustangs currently ride a two-match win streak and will face UC Davis Wednesday night before hosting the Highlanders this weekend.

LAST MATCH
The Highlanders are coming off of their first shutout win of the season dropping San Diego 2-0 this past Saturday on the road. The UCR defense held strong only allowing the Toreros two shots on goal.

THE DANIEL DUO
Sophomore Daniel Aguirre and freshman Daniel Castaneda have combined for five goals so far this season, three of which have come in the last two matches. Castaneda iced the match vs CBU forcing overtime and both student-athletes found the back of the net in the matchup with San Diego.

DUSAN DOING WORK
Senior Dusan Keca helped the Highlanders win the first ever Crosstown Showdown on September 22nd, playing excellent defense and punching in a match-winning penalty kick in the 110th minute. The defender is 2-for-2 on pk's so far this season.

DON'T STOP BELIEVING
The Highlanders have fared well late in matches as they have scored four goals in the 85th minute or later. Two of those goals were knocked in by sophomore midfielder Daniel Aguirre.