SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - UC Riverside ended the second half of its Central Coast road trip to open Big West play on Sunday afternoon, falling 3-0 to Cal Poly at Alex G. Spanos Stadium. 

A physically defensive first half was the tone set in the early going with five fouls per side. Daphane Mendez made her second start of the season, playing in the attacking midfield to start on Sunday.

Alexis Vera accounted for UCR's only attempt of the first half, flicking on a shot off target in the 18th minute.

The two sides traded defensive efforts for the majority of the first half until the Mustangs converted from the penalty spot just before halftime to take a 1-0 lead into the break.

UCR won a free kick in the 54th minute with a chance to equalize, but the Highlanders' chance on the set piece sailed over the end line for a Cal Poly goal kick.

The Mustangs padded their lead in the 69th minute, beating Cassia Souza in the bottom right corner for the 2-0 lead. A third goal from the penalty spot in the 74th minute secured the win for Cal Poly.

Souza made seven saves in the matinee before Caela Kaio relieved her in the 76th minute and recorded one of her own.

The Highlanders will open the home portion of their 2021 Big West schedule on Thursday, September 30 at 7:00 p.m. when they host Long Beach State at UC Riverside Soccer Stadium. Live stats will be available at gohighlanders.com