LA JOLLA, Calif. – UC Riverside (0-12-2, 0-5-1 Big West) dropped a 1-0 decision to UC San Diego (4-5-6, 2-2-2 Big West) on a damp Thursday night at Triton Soccer Stadium.
Trinity Hale made six saves while the Highlanders recorded 13 shots and 10 for the fourth time in their last five matches.
UCR took advantage of early offensive opportunities and planted shots from Spenser Gonzales and Finley Aghassi on goal in the first three and a half minutes.
UC San Diego broke the deadlock in the ninth minute, but the Highlanders quickly responded with several chances down the wings while maintaining their defensive discipline.
Lauren Nguyen put another shot on frame from a difficult angle in the 20th minute, and UC Riverside cleared a Triton build up at the other end in the 23rd.
UCR had numbers down the wing in the 29th minute and Sanaa Guyness lifted one into the box, but off frame. The Highlanders again utilized the right win as Finley Aghassi carried possession into the final third with numbers.
The duo had breathed life into the away side and were now central to a more aggressive offensive spell with plenty of time remaining in the first half.
Guyness was the spark for another spell that ended with a pair of blocked attempts, while Aghassi later sent in a dangerous free kick in the 34th minute. Daisy Miller crossed a ball from the corner flag at the 39-minute mark, and Audrey Stewart headed it just wide in one of the Highlanders' best chances thus far.
Miller generated another chance soon out of halftime, beating her defender inside the 18 and placing a ball wide in the 52nd minute. UCR's ensuing corner bounced around and finally into the gloves of UC San Diego's goalkeeper. Action at the other end saw Hale paw away a lofted ball in the 54th before the Idaho State transfer was forced to make another save.
UCR saw its chance to equalize in the 87th minute with just its third corner of the night. Mia DiLeo sent it in, and the hosts cleared away more chaos in front of goal shortly before wiping the opportunity away completely.
UCR returns to action on Sunday, October 19 for Senior Night against Cal State Bakersfield at the UCR Soccer Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00 pm on ESPN+ following senior recognitions of Spenser Gonzales and Sarah Mahfoud.
