RIVERSIDE, Calif. - UC Riverside played its final regular season match of 2021 at UC Riverside Soccer Stadium on Saturday evening with a 2-1 loss to UC San Diego. 

Caio Guazzelli laid claim to UCR's first attempt of the night, sending one to the right of the net in the fifth minute. 

The Highlanders' back line was pressed early on with two shots in the first three minutes before UC San Diego broke through from the penalty spot in the 14th minute. 

Jake Sowder recorded UCR's first shot on goal in the 18th minute, firing from the top of the box before having his attempt saved. An otherwise defensive first half from both sides saw just six shots combined through the first 40 minutes. 

A yellow card to UC San Diego in the 64th minute led to a corner kick and a prime opportunity for the Highlanders to level the match, but the ball would not find the back of the net. 

Noah Lopez leveled the match in the 77th minute, finding the lower right of the goal. Lopez's shot was one of three in the second half for the Highlanders.

Just before the final whistle, the Tritons put the final seal on Saturday's season finale with a goal in the 87th minute.