RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Highlanders' final contest of 2025 ended in a 3-2 loss at UC Irvine. The last time UCR took to the pitch they came out on top 1-0 against Cal State Bakersfield, a week ago tonight. UC Irvine entered the match fourth in the standings and looking to better their chances at hosting a first round Big West Tournament match.

The Anteaters got on the board first when Misael Gonzalez Lopez scored his seventh goal of the year. He knocked it just inside the left post in the 28'.

UCR knotted it up at one just before the end of the first half. Ethan Gonzalez had a strong strike that deflected off UCI's Joe O'Shaughnessy's hand and inside the left post.

With the score tied, the Anteaters took the lead again, this time two minutes into the second. Marcus Lee scored his first of two on the night for UCI. Lee's second of the match came ten minutes later in the 58' putting the Anteaters up 3-1.

The Highlanders fought back as Brady Elliott scored off a corner kick in the 75'. Ethan Gonzalez put it the perfect spot for Elliott and his first goal as a Highlander. UCR had a couple of chances late but the UCI's defense held firm.

For the Highlanders their season ends with a 4-9-4 overall record and a 2-6-1 Big West record.