RIVERSIDE, Calif. - UC Riverside capped off a two-match homestand on Sunday night at the UC Riverside Soccer Stadium with a 3-1 loss to San Diego.
Diogo Baptista made his first career start for the Highlanders on Sunday, logging 45 minutes in the midfield. The true freshman played a slow roller perfectly into the box in the 23rd minute only for Oscar Penate's shot to go out past the left post, one of numerous UCR early chances on the night.
Brendan Clark finally put away a chance in the 30th minute, scoring the Highlanders' opener for the second time this season. Clark booted home a rebound in the box from Christian Ceja for the 1-0 lead.
The second half began with a slow start for UCR, but the Highlanders earned a break with a curler off the post that kept Clark's opening goal as the difference. Seconds later on the counter, Alfonso Ramirez was the recipient of a ball down the right side and crossed it into the box, but would not find a receiving boot to find the back of the net.
San Diego used the momentum to push up the pitch and converted from the spot in the 57th minute for the equalizer. The Toreros took the 2-1 lead in the 72nd minute and nearly pushed ahead further in the 75th, then later in the 82nd before three Highlander defenders carefully swarmed the ball in the box before clearing it away.
USD put the final touches on Sunday with a third goal in the 86th minute.
UC Riverside will now go on a three-match road swing beginning on Sunday, September 18 at Loyola Marymount. The contest will be streamed live on the WCC Network with live stats available on the men's soccer schedule at GoHighlanders.com.
