LOS ANGELES - UC Riverside concluded its 2021 non-conference slate on Saturday night with a 2-1 loss to UCLA at Wallis Annenberg Stadium.
Carlos Gonzalez was busy in the early going, facing four shots in the first 15 minutes before seeing the fifth go past him for a UCLA goal in the 17th minute. Gonzalez found himself in a one-on-one situation with a Bruin attacker three minutes later, but won the battle at the top of the six-yard box to keep UCR in the game.
Leopoldo Hernandez pulled one back for the Highlanders in the 28th minute. After UCR won a free kick just beyond the center circle, Carlos Zuniga launched the set piece into the box. Roberto Garcia-Vargas was able to get his head on the ball and redirect it to Hernandez on the far post, who headed in the equalizer.
It was Hernandez's second goal of the season and Zuniga's second assist in as many appearances.
UC Riverside found a quality scoring chance on the counter attack in the 59th minute. After the Highlanders took the ball down the left sideline, the ball was crossed in and found Dorian Morrison in the box for a shot on net directly at the goalkeeper.
The Highlanders created another scoring chance off a set piece in the 78th minute, leading to a point-blank shot from Jonick Pineda that was corralled on the line by UCLA's goalkeeper. The Bruins' ensuing attack created a hole on the near post, but UCR's back line prevented any sort of shot from the opportunity.
UCLA provided the breakthrough in the 87th minute, converting on a penalty to put the home side ahead 2-1.
The Highlanders logged seven of their nine shots in the second half while limiting the Bruins to three in the final 45 minutes. In addition to an assist, Zuniga led the way for UCR with two shots and one on goal. Jonick Pineda and Freymar Omarsson were the only Highlanders to play all 90 minutes, as both have now gone at least 80 minutes in every game they've appeared in.
The Highlanders will kick off Big West play on Wednesday, September 29 for a midweek contest at UC Irvine. Live stats and a live stream will be available at ucirvinesports.com.
