MOSCOW, Idaho - UC Riverside kicked off a new era of women's soccer on Thursday night at the Kibbie Dome with a 2-0 defeat at Idaho. 

UCR's back line was tested early from a possession-friendly home side. The Highlanders finally saw their first sight at goal when Finley Aghassi skied one over the bar from Nikki Velasco, ushering in a more relaxed pace on the ball. UC Riverside then took its time recycling the ball to the midfield. 

Talisa Perez made contact with a low, bouncing strike in the 16th minute, but not enough as Idaho took the early 1-0 lead. Perez was relieved at halftime for Idaho State transfer Trinity Hale.

The Highlanders saw their clearest chance of the night in the 32nd minute with a lofting free kick into the final third. Idaho, though, cleared a messy goal line to preserve the lead. 

Daisy Miller sent another free kick into the wall in the closing minutes of the half after Lauren Nguyen took a hard knock in the attacking midfield. Sanaa Guyness later almost scored on a chip as UCR scurried for an equalizer before the half. 

UC Riverside looked to take advantage of a couple offensive opportunities early out of halftime. Idaho State transfer Rylee Lewis sent a corner across the box in her return to the Gem State, while Ally Yoshimura took a shot on target a few minutes later.

Hale came up big in the 59th minute with a save at the near post. UC Riverside forced an equally clutch save on the other end of the pitch in the 64th minute, and Mia DiLeo continued the offensive press with a threatening cross from the far side. 

The near post saved UCR in the 79th minute on a free kick, but Idaho broke through with its second goal in the 86th minute. 

UC Riverside goes again on Sunday, August 17 with a 5:00 pm kickoff at Utah Tech on ESPN+.