RIVERSIDE, Calif.- Friday night, the UC Riverside Men's Soccer Team (4-1-0) earned its fourth win, and third straight at home, on the season by shutting out undefeated No. 14 Florida Gulf Coast University (3-1-1). The teams would go scoreless into the half, but the second period would be all Highlanders as they quickly found a pair of goals to defeat the Eagles 2-0.
The first period was a defensive battle as the Highlanders allowed the Eagles six shots, with only one of those shots being on goal. UCR fought back with the same intensity with six shots as well, however putting more pressure on Florida Gulf Coast landing three on frame.
In the 54th minute, the Highlanders crowded the box as senior Olli Pirinen lined up for a corner kick. Mayhem in the box would lead to junior Hugo Magana Jr. punching in his first Highlander goal with both Pirinen and sophomore Caio Guazzelli both assisting on the play. Just moments after Magana Jr.'s milestone, sophomore Kameron Bolden struck in one of his own, giving him his first goal on the season as well on a very similar Highlander attack. Pirinen assisted the second goal as well, helping the Highlanders extend their lead to ultimately blank the Eagles.
Both teams were on the attack, but UCR embraced a true bend, don't break mentality. The team would also win the shots on goal battle seven to three.
Defensively, senior keeper Edwyn Gutierrez added three saves in his second shutout of the season.
The Highlanders hope to keep this energy moving forward as they take on Air Force at home this Sunday, September 15th at 11:00 am.
