RIVERSIDE, Calif.— Saturday, September 22, 2018, will mark a historic night for the City of Riverside and the Inland Empire (IE), as the University of California, Riverside (UCR) Men's Soccer Team will host Cal Baptist University (CBU), in the first edition of the "Crosstown Showdown" at UCR Soccer Stadium at 7 p.m. This will be the first meeting between the Highlanders and the Lancers since both teams elevated to the Division I level, not only in soccer, but in the two programs athletics history. In addition, the matchup will serve as a reminder for the Inland Empire's future college soccer student-athletes that there are now two universities in Riverside competing at the NCAA's premier division.

"This is an exciting time for our program, the City of Riverside and the Inland Empire," said Highlanders Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Tamica Smith Jones. "Having two Division I Athletics programs in our backyard is a great thing. This creates more opportunities for our area and regional standout high school student-athletes to go to college, compete at a high level and play close to home where their families and friends can see them."

"This promises to be a great rivalry and we are looking forward to Saturday night's Crosstown Showdown," said UC Riverside's Head Men's Soccer Coach, Tim Cupello. "The Inland Empire is a community that loves soccer and produces dozens of highly-skilled and talented players from the region each year. This weekend is a great opportunity for our fans to see several of our area's best soccer student-athletes competing on both sides of the field. UCR Soccer Stadium will be electric on Saturday night and we can't wait. Soccer fans in the IE will not want to miss this game."

The Lancers come into Saturday's matchup with a 5-2-1 record after winning their last three matches including a 4-0 win over Hope International. CBU has fared well offensively this season as the team has not been shutout in its nine matches.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early as a capacity crowd is expected. Gates open at 6:00 PM and tickets can be purchased online at gohighlanders.com/tickets, by phone (951) 827-4653, or at the game.