RIVERSIDE, Calif. - The Highlanders played their first Big West Conference game in front of fans at UC Riverside Soccer Stadium since November of 2019 on Saturday evening with a 3-1 win over CSU Bakersfield. 

Federico Ucar and Carlos Osorio accounted for both of UCR's shots on goal through much the first 45 minutes. Ucar's attempt at the top shelf in the 15th minute was denied before Osorio's attempt in the 35th minute was also turned away. 

Freymar Omarsson leveled Saturday's conference home opener just before the halftime break. Omarsson headed in a redirection off a corner into the top left corner for his first score of the season. 

The Roadrunners owned a 6-5 shot advantage after 45 minutes, but UCR held the 3-2 advantage on frame with the attempts from Ucar, Osorio and Omarsson.

Oscar Penate put the Highlanders ahead in the 60th minute after finding the near post on the right side. Penate dribbled around defenders into space and launched it from outside the box to give UCR the 2-1 lead.

Penate's strike would end up being the game-winner that gave the Highlanders their first win over CSU Bakersfield at the Division I level.

Penate struck again five minutes later to extend the lead. After UC Riverside put the ball into play on a corner kick, Penate found the back of the net for the Highlanders' third brace of the season. 

The win cemented UC Riverside's fourth 3-goal game this season and first since a 3-1 win over San Francisco on September 19 at UC Riverside Soccer Stadium. UCR outshot the Roadrunners 6-3 in the second half. 

The Highlanders go again on Wednesday, October 6 for a 3:00 p.m. afternoon kickoff at UC Davis. Live stats will be available at ucdavisaggies.com.