SAN DIEGO (August 23, 2024) - UC Riverside opened a new year of Highlander men's soccer on Friday night at the SDSU Sports Deck with a 5-2 loss at San Diego State. 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

• UCR's back line was immediately put to work against constant pressure from the Aztecs, and UC Riverside utilized the counterattack to remain dangerous on the attacking foot.
• Jackson D'Alessandro cleared a close-range chance from SDSU in the 13th minute of his second straight start dating back to last season. Five minutes later, Oscar Emilio Trujillo Lizarraga played delicate defense in the box to erase another Aztec opportunity. 
• The Highlanders ramped up the pace offensively after the 20-minute mark with a free kick and an end-to-end buildup, succeeded by an opportunity down the right wing with Westley Hastings waiting in the attacking midfield. 
• Friday night saw its first booking for either side in the 33rd minute, leading to a free kick from Christian Ceja that led to Luka Lukic being denied at the near post. Edward Castro found the near outside netting just out of halftime, earning the Highlanders their first corner of the night in a rejuvenated start to the second half of play. 
• Lukic and Castro both picked up assists soon after with Noah Lopez scoring twice in a matter of minutes to level the match early in the second half. Carlos Gonzalez kept the highlight reel going a few short minutes after with a saved penalty to keep things level. 

NOTABLES 

• Lizarraga was impressive at his left back role with a couple key defensive plays in the first half of his Highlander debut. 
• Lopez registered his second career brace and second in as many seasons. 
• Friday was the first time UCR had scored twice in a non-conference match since notching a 4-1 home win over St. Thomas in 2022, and first time doing so away from Riverside since winning 2-1 at Canisius in 2021.  

UP NEXT 

• UC Riverside hosts Utah Tech in its home opener on Thursday, August 29 at 8:30 p.m. at the UCR Soccer Stadium. Thursday is also Youth Sports Night, and the first 200 fans in attendance will receive a free UCR drawstring bag. Tickets are available now at highlanderstickets.universitytickets.com.