San Jose State's Randy Poggio Transfers to UCR

(Jan. 5, 2005) – Former San Jose State forward Randy Poggio has transferred to UC Riverside, UCR Head Soccer Coach Junior Gonzalez announced Wednesday. Poggio enrolled in classes for the winter quarter and will be begin training with the team in the spring season.

“Randy adds a dimension to our game as a target forward,” Gonzalez said. “He will be an impact player that will enable us to produce more attacking opportunities.”

Poggio was a member of the Spartans’ Mountain Pacific Sports Federation title team in 2003. In three seasons at San Jose State, Poggio scored 20 goals with 9 assists for 49 points in 52 games. He was named to the All-MPSF First Team as a sophomore in 2003 after finishing second in the conference in scoring with 32 points on 14 goals and four assists. He has five goals and two assists as a freshman but only one goal and three assists last season, as he missed eight games to injury.

“Randy is a natural finisher who we expect to step into leadership role and give us a winning mentality,” Gonzalez added.

The brother of current UCR women’s soccer goalkeeper Tawny Poggio, Randy was a former standout at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, where he helped lead the Monarchs to back-to-back CIF championships in 1999 and 2000. He was named CIF Southern Section Division III Offensive Player of the Year in 2001 after scoring 27 goals and nine assists en route to Mater Dei winning the Sierra League championship.

Poggio’s scoring ability should help the Highlanders’ continued growth, coming off their most successful season in the program’s short Division I history. Under first year Head Coach Junior Gonzalez, UCR finished the 2004 campaign with a 7-10-1 mark, equaling the school record for most wins in a season. The Highlanders also established new season marks for goals (28), assists (22), points (78), and consecutive wins (three). In addition, Riverside brought home the program’s first trophy, winning the Husky Invitational in Seattle, WA, September 17-19.

Oregon State's Carlos "Boku" Cornejo Transfers to UCR

(Jan. 12, 2005) – Former Oregon State midfielder Carlos “Boku” Cornejo has transferred to UC Riverside, UCR Head Soccer Coach Junior Gonzalez announced Wednesday. Cornejo enrolled in classes for the winter quarter and will be begin training with the team in the spring season.

“Boku is an out-and-out playmaker,” Gonzalez said. “He has great vision and passing ability and can score from long distance.”

Cornejo played two seasons at Oregon State, where he helped the Beavers to a second place finish in the Pac 10 Conference in 2003. Cornejo appeared in 18 games in 2003, making four starts and scoring three goals as a freshman. He only made eight appearances last season but managed to find the net twice and provide one assist. He was twice named the Pac 10 Player of the Week and earned Soccer America Player of the Week honors once.

“Boku gives us more depth in the midfield, something that has been lacking the last few seasons,” Gonzalez added. “My hope is that he can come in and be one of the top center-mids in the conference.”

Cornejo will join a midfield that returns all of its starters, including All Big West Second Team member Jordan Arias. A former two-time All-CIF player from West Torrance High School in Torrance, CA, Cornejo was a three-time First Team All-Bay League pick. While with the Vikings, he set the school’s assist record and was named to the Olympic Development Program’s Region IV Team.

Cornejo is the second player to transfer to UC Riverside this week. Last Wednesday, former San Jose State forward Randy Poggio joined Gonzalez’s squad. Both players’ offensive abilities should contribute to the Highlanders’ continued growth, coming off their most successful season in the program’s short Division I history. In Gonzalez’s first year as a head coach, UCR finished the 2004 campaign with a 7-10-1 mark, equaling the school record for most wins in a season. The Highlanders also established new season marks for goals (28), assists (22), points (78), and consecutive wins (three). In addition, Riverside brought home the program’s first trophy, winning the Husky Invitational in Seattle, WA, September 17-19.

Highlanders Sign Six to National Letters of Intent

(Mar. 14, 2005) – UC Riverside has signed six players to National Letter of Intents, UCR Head Men’s Soccer Coach Junior Gonzalez announced Monday. The five incoming freshmen will join transfers Carlos “Boku” Cornejo and Randy Poggio to form Gonzalez’s 2005 recruiting class.

Forwards Kyle Ochoa and TJ Bombard, midfielder Doug Thrasher, and defenders Joel Crompton, Aaron Hunter, and David Watson comprise the group. All have experience playing for the Olympic Development Program. In signing, Bombard and Thrasher become Gonzalez’s first out-of-state recruits, both hailing from Las Vegas, NV.

Ochoa, a six-footer from Etiwanda High School in Etiwanda, CA was his team’s offensive most valuable player and captain and was selected to the All-Baseline League Team. He also plays for Arsenal FC, helping the club team to championships at the Surf Cup and Nomads tournaments, as well as the Dallas Cup final. Individually, Ochoa has been selected to the state and regional ODP teams and was named the Golden Boot winner for most goals at the ODP regional camp.

Joining Ochoa up front is Bombard, a 5-11 forward from Bonanza High School in Las Vegas, NV. Bombard is a three-year letterwinner at Bonanza, scoring 27 goals and providing 19 assists in 90 games. He was selected to the All-Southwest Conference Team as both a sophomore and junior and has been chosen to play for the 2004-05 Nevada ODP team. He plays for the Premier U-17 club team, helping them to win four straight state club championships as well as reaching the Far West Region quarterfinals.

Thrasher has won three Nevada State Club Championships with Premier ’87 and has been selected for the state’s ODP team four years running. He also led Palo Verde High School in Las Vegas, NV, in goals and assists as a 5-9 central midfielder.

Crompton, Hunter, and Watson will help fill holes in the Highlanders’ defense caused by the graduation of Ben Davies and Paul Salazar. A 5-10 versatile midfielder/defender, Crompton is an All Ivy League player from Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, CA. With his club, Ballistic United, Crompton is a three-time State Cup champion and 2003 Surf Cup champion and has served as team captain since 2003. He was also selected to the 2002 and 2004 Cal North State Teams, as well as the 2003 Super Y League Regional Team. Hunter, a 6-1 central defender from Diamond Ranch High School in Pomona, CA, has considerable experience, gaining first team all-league honors and playing on the 2002 Nomads and 2001 Surf Cup champions. Watson is a 6-0 outside defender from Riverside’s Arlington High School who has been named All-Ivy League three times and All-Riverside County twice. The team’s Defensive Most Valuable as a junior, he also led the Lions in goals and assists that year.

The 2004 UCR men’s soccer team posted a school record for wins last season, going 7-10-1 and finishing in third place in the Big West Conference. The Highlanders will bring back 17 players from that squad, including All-Big West selections Jordan Arias, Scott Barnett, and John “Tre” Lee.

Highlanders Selected to Finish Fifth in Big West Poll

(Aug. 16, 2005) – The UC Riverside men’s soccer team was picked to finish fifth in the Big West Conference preseason coaches’ poll, it was announced Monday. The Highlanders, who finished a program-best third place in 2004 under first-year Head Coach Junior Gonzalez, return seven starters from a team that went 7-10-1 last season.

Highlanders Fall 2-0 to #6 Virginia

(Sept. 2, 2005) – UC Riverside dropped its season opener, 2-0, to sixth-ranked Virginia in the opening game Friday of the adidas Classic in Santa Barbara. The Cavaliers scored both goals in the second half to hold off the fiesty Highlanders (0-1-0).

The game remained scoreless until the 55th minute, when Adam Cristman headed home a cross by Jeremy Barlow to give the Cavaliers the lead. Virginia struck again in the 72nd minute, when Joe Vide set up Barlow, who beat UCR goalie Charles Alamo one-on-one for the game's second goal.

Overall, Virginia (1-0-0) outshot the Highlanders 18-6 in the contest. Alamo stopped five shots in goal for UCR while UVA's Ryan Burke made two saves.

Highlanders Drop Second Straight, 2-0, to #20 Cal

(Sept. 4, 2005) – #20 Cal scored two first half goals to hand UC Riverside its second consecutive 2-0 loss to a ranked team to start the 2005 season Sunday at the adidas Classic in Santa Barbara. UCR fell to 0-2 after Friday's 2-0 defeat to #6 Virginia.

Cal forward Calen Carr scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal in the 26th minute. Carr one-timed midfielder Eric Ebert's cross from the left side to the back post for a 1-0 Cal lead.

UCR went a man down in the 30th minute when senior Scott Barnett was issued a red card by the referee. The Bears took advantage, scoring the second goal in the 44th minute of play on a penalty kick by defender Tyson Wahl.

UC Riverside junior goalkeeper Charles Alamo was tested by the Bears, recording eight saves, while Eric Kronberg recorded two saves for Cal (2-0). Cal out shot the Highlanders, 19-5.

Highlanders, Lancers Tie 1-1

(Sept. 7, 2005) – UC Riverside tied its 2005 home opener 1-1 against Cal Baptist Wednesday afternoon at the UCR Soccer Stadium. The Highlanders ran their record to 0-2-1 while the Lancers improve to 3-1-2.

A fairly mundane first half saw few chances for each side. UCR, playing without many of its regular starters, outshot the Lancers 4-2 in the opening 45 minutes but could not find the net. The game picked up at the beginning of the second half and UCR broke the deadlock off a free kick in the 74th minute. Senior Juan Gutierrez floated the ball into the penalty box, where senior Randy Poggio headed it into the path of freshman Kyle Ochoa. Ochoa thundered his shot into the back of the net from six yards out for his first career goal and the Highlanders’ first strike of the season.

UCR’s first lead of the season lasted less than a minute. Following the restart, Cal Baptist found itself on a breakaway. Highlander sophomore goalkeeper Jordan King came off his line to stop the attack but upended Lancer forward Fraser Kershaw. The referee originally signaled for a free kick outside the penalty area but, after conferring with his assistant, pointed to the penalty spot. Houtan Malayeri stepped up and sent King the wrong way to tie it at 1-1.

The score remained level through regulation and CBU almost grabbed the winner in the first overtime but Tim Walker’s header bounced off the crossbar. Poggio had an opportunity one minute from the end but his diving header went just wide.

Shot totals for the teams were fairly even, with UCR holding an 11-10 advantage. King made two saves for UCR while Josh Blanco stopped five for Cal Baptist.

Aztecs Down Highlanders 3-0

(Sept. 10, 2005) - UC Riverside continued its early season struggles, falling to host San Diego State 3-0 Saturday afternoon at the SDSU Sports Deck. The Highlanders drop to 0-3-1 on the season while SDSU improves to 2-0-1.

San Diego State's Craig Chiles put the Aztecs on the board at the 25:39 mark. Ryan Reott brought the ball down the left side, and from about 30 yards out launched a cross that found the head of Chiles, who placed the ball into the lower right corner past UCR goalkeeper Charles Alamo. That goal held up through halftime as the home side controlled much of the offensive action in the first 45 minutes, out-shooting UCR by an 11-5 margin.

SDSU doubled its advantage courtesy of Heath Creager's second goal of the season in the 77th minute. The play began with Nick Collins finding Kevin Werbner with a pass in the middle. Werbner then fed the ball to Creager, whose first touch pushed the ball across the top of the box. His second touch was a right-footed shot that found the lower left side of the goal.

Raul Bautista rounded out the scoring with just over a minute left (88:57), as he took a through ball from Dennis Sanchez and slotted the ball past Jordan King, who had replaced Alamo in the Highlander goal.

UCR managed just seven shots, four by senior Scott Barnett and were outshot 19-7 by the Aztecs.

Alamo made one save in 25 minutes while King stopped four in the final 65. SDSU's Tally Hall recorded his third consecutive shutout, making three saves.

Highlanders Remain Winless, Fall to Spartans 2-0

(Sept. 16, 2005) - San Jose State sent UC Riverside to its second consecutive defeat, winning 2-0 on Friday at Spartan Stadium in San Jose. UCR remains winless in 2005, dropping to 0-4-1 while SJSU runs its record to 3-0-2.

SJSU's Ismael Ibarra scored his second goal of the season at 36:56 when he headed the ball off a corner kick from Gavin Wenyon. Dan Oka sealed the victory from the penalty spot at 82:48 to send UCR to its second consecutive shutout loss.

The Spartans outshot the Highlanders 16-5. Making his second career start, sophomore goalkeeper Jordan King recorded two saves in the loss. His San Jose State counterpart, Brent Douglas, needed three saves to gain the clean sheet.

Highlanders Can't Solve Gauchos, Fall 4-0

(Sept. 18, 2005) - UC Santa Barbara continued its domination of UC Riverside, beating the Highlanders 4-0 Sunday evening in the teams' Big West Conference opener at Harder Stadium in Santa Barbara. It was the 12th-ranked Gauchos' ninth straight victory over UCR and dropped the Highlanders to 0-5-1 in 2005.

Ivan Becerra netted two goals on the night to guide UCSB to its third straight win and improve to 3-1-1 on the season. Bryan Byrne initiated Santa Barbara’s first goal from just beyond the attacking side of the center circle. Byrne and Jonathan Davis did a quick give-and-go to penetrate the Highlanders’ backline on the right side. Davis picked up the through pass but UCR goalkeeper Jordan King came off his line and attempted to take the ball of Davis’ foot. Davis quickly poked the ball out to his left just as he entered the penalty box, finding a wide-open Becerra who one-timed Davis’ pass with his left foot, finding the back of the net at 6:56 in the match, giving Santa Barbara a 1-0 lead that they would not relinquish. Becerra’s goal and Davis’ assist were their firsts on the season.

Davis quickly made it 2-0 just under one minute later with an impressive individual effort down the right flank. Brennan Tennelle rounded up a loose ball in the deep right of the Gauchos’ defensive-third and astutely played a long up the right side to the streaking Davis. With King remaining on his line, Davis rifled a shot from 25 yards out, under the sprawling King and into the side netting on the back post. The goal was Davis’ third in as many games.

UCR came close to pulling a goal back in the final five minutes of the half when junior forward Mark Moreira seemed to have an open shot on goal but UCSB's Andy Iro slid in to keep the ball out. Becerra did not waste any time scoring his second goal of the year, and the match, midway through the second half. Eric Avila tallied his second assist of the season in breaking Becerra through, chipping a pass over the Highlander’s backline line. Becerra picked up Avila’s pass just outside the left corner of the UCR penalty box and unleashed a shot that crept into the back side of the far post to make it 3-0 in the 70th minute.

Santa Barbara pushed in the final goal with 24 seconds left in the game. Andrew Proctor and Iro connected on a series of give-and-goes down the left side of the field and through the Highlander defense. With Proctor nearing the touchline about 15 yards from the goal, he cut back and dropped off a pass to Iro just inside the goalbox. Iro side-footed the pass with his left foot past King for his first goal of the season, and UCSB the 4-0 win.

UCR had one more chance to avoid its fifth shutout loss but were again denied by a sliding defender, this time on a Randy Poggio shot with under ten minutes to go. King finished the match with five saves in the loss.

Highlanders Gain First Win, Blank UNLV 2-0

(Sept. 23, 2005) - UC Riverside won its first game of the 2005 season and sent UNLV to its first home loss, 2-0, in a non-conference game Friday night at Peter Johann Memorial Field in Las Vegas. The victory snaps the Highlanders' season-opening six game winless streak as they improve to 1-5-1 while the Rebels lost their third straight to fall to 2-5.

The Highlanders entered the match having found the net just once in the first 560 minutes of play in 2005. It took them just under four minutes to take the lead on Friday. Senior transfer Randy Poggio pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area and fired home his first goal in the UCR uniform after just 3:51.

UCR kept up the attack the rest of the half, finishing with nine shots to the Rebels' five, and were able to take advantage of another loose ball in the box in the 27th minute. This time the ball was deflected towards the middle, and junior midfielder Erasmo Solorzano blasted a shot from the middle from 12 yards out for the 2-0 UCR lead at 26:43.

The Rebels would not find the back of the net for the night, and were outshot 17-11. Sophomore goalkeeper Jordan King registered his first career shutout, making five saves. In his first career start in goal, UNLV's Bret Hafeman finished with five saves and two goals allowed.

Highlanders Beat Aggies 2-1 in Double OT

(Sept. 25, 2005) - Senior midfielder Juan Gutierrez scored with 26 seconds remaining in the second overtime period as UC Riverside won its second straight game, 2-1 over UC Davis, in a non-conference match Sunday afternoon at the UCR Soccer Stadium. The Highlanders improve to 2-5-1 while the Aggies fall to 3-3-2.

As time wound down in the second overtime of a hard-fought game, Gutierrez produced a bit of magic to finish the contest early. Collecting a throw-in from sophomore forward Andrew Villalobos down the right flank, he cut back inside to the middle of the field. Looking up, he faked one shot to move around a defender, then unleashed a curling left-footed strike that found the upper corner of the net at 109:34. The goal was Gutierrez’s first of the season and fourth of his career.

Coming off its first victory of 2005, UCR was inspired to be back at home after four consecutive road games. The Highlanders dominated possession in the first half but could only muster two shots to one the Aggies’ one. One of the shots, however, was a 20-yard chip from senior midfielder Jordan Arias that gave UCR a 1-0 lead after 36:04. The move started when junior midfielder Erasmo Solorzano was fouled outside the penalty area and caught the Davis defense napping with a quick restart. His pass found Arias, who delicately chipped the ball over UCD goalkeeper Charles Warne for his first goal of the season.

The second half was a more wide-open affair with UC Davis pushing forward, looking for an equalizer. That opened UCR up for the opportunity to counterattack, which they did. Warne came up with several key saves to keep the scoreline at 1-0.

Davis got its equalizer with 1:28 remaining in the game when UCR committed a foul 45 yards from its own goal. The Aggies pushed all of their men forward and Juan Hernandez lofted a ball into the penalty box. UCR sophomore goalie Jordan King rushed out to claim it but got tangled among the many players in front of him. The ball went over King’s head and found the net to tie the game at 1-1.

UCR had the better chances in the opening overtime but Warne produced two quick saves from point-blank range to keep out attempts from senior midfielder Scott Barnett and freshman forward Kyle Ochoa. In the second overtime, the Highlanders looked to have won it but Warne again came to UCD’s rescue, diving low to his left to rob junior midfielder Andrew Hills of the game-winning glory. Warne could not keep out Gutierrez’s effort, however, as UCR recorded its first win over Davis at the Division I level.

UCR held a 15-7 advantage in shots, including 3-0 in the second overtime period. King made one save in the match while Warne stopped eight shots for UCD.

Matadors Stop UCR Win Streak at Two, 2-1

(Sept. 28, 2005) - Cal State Northridge snapped the UC Riverside men’s soccer team’s two-game winning streak, 2-1 Wednesday afternoon in a Big West Conference game at the UCR Soccer Stadium. The Highlanders fall to 2-6-1 overall, 0-2-0 in the Big West while the Matadors win their conference opener and improve to 5-2-1 overall.

On a day when the Santa Ana winds played as big a role as the players on the field, the advantage came down to who had the wind at their backs when it mattered most. UCR had that luxury in the first half but fell behind 1-0 after 36:25 when CSUN’s Gianni Facio made a run down the right side and beat UCR goalkeeper Jordan King with a shot from eight yards. Devin Deldo and Taylor Canel supplied the assists.

Undaunted by trailing for the first time in three games. UCR showed its determination, striking back just two minutes later. Sophomore midfielder Joey Pacheco sent a long clearance from the defense, finding senior forward Randy Poggio at midfield on the right flank. Poggio turned and saw a two-on-one opportunity with freshman forward Kyle Ochoa streaking through the middle. Poggio laid the ball off to Ochoa, who settled himself before firing a right-footed shot into the lower corner for the equalizer at 38:49.The Matadors took advantage of having the wind behind them in the second half.

After being outshot 5-4 by the Highlanders in the first 45 minutes, CSUN held a 12-2 advantage in the category in the second half. They broke the tie at 70:12 when Daniel Paladini collected a pass from Chad Borok 35 yards from the UCR goal. Paladini took a touch then unleashed a shot that skipped up off the turf and past King for the game-winner.

UCR pushed forward in the last 20 minutes again looking for an equalizer but came up short. King stopped a career-high eight shots for UCR while CSUN’s Kevin Guppy was called into action for one save.

The loss extended UCR’s winless streak against Northridge to nine games at the Division I level. CSUN improved to 6-0-3 against the Highlanders.

Anteaters Defeat Highlanders 3-2

(Oct. 1, 2005) - UC Riverside twice came from a goal down but could not upend UC Irvine, falling 3-2 to the Anteaters Friday night at Anteater Stadium. The Highlanders drop to 2-7-1 overall, 0-3-0 in the Big West Conference, while UCI wins its conference opener and improves to 4-3-2.

The home team took the lead after just 5:45 as Brad Evans put UCI on the board first off assists from Anthony Hamilton and Brandon Tario. The Highlanders answered quickly as freshman defender Joel Crompton knocked in a cross from senior midfielder Jordan Arias at the 10:02 mark to tie the game at 1-1.

Hamilton put the Anteaters up 2-1 in the 63rd minute as he knocked the ball in from 15 yards out off an assist from Kit Vitagliano. But UCR equalized as senior forward Randy Poggio scored his second goal of the season in the 70th minute off a corner kick by sophomore midfielder Andrew Villalobos to tie the game at 2-2.

UCR could not grab the go-ahead goal and UCI's Matt Murphy scored the game-winner in the 78th minute off a free kick from 30 yards out off that went in off the right post.

Sophomore goalkeeper Jordan King had three saves for UCR while Ryan Mathy had five saves for the Anteaters.

Aggies Defeat Highlanders in Overtime 1-0

(Oct. 8, 2005) - Juan Hernandez scored on a penalty kick with 55 seconds remaining in the first overtime, lifting UC Davis to a 1-0 victory over UC Riverside in a non-conference men's collegiate soccer match at Aggie Field in front of 424 spectators Saturday. The Highlanders, who beat UC Davis in double overtime just two weeks before, drop to 2-8-1 overall. The Aggies move to 5-4-2 on the year.

Hernandez won his golden-goal opportunity when Aggie Quincy Amarikwa and UC Riverside sophomore goalkeeper Jordan King collided just inside the box. King was charged with a foul and yellow card on the play, and Hernandez assumed the honors of the penalty kick. Hernandez, who had tied the game in the final minutes when the two teams met in Riverside, found the lower left corner, beating King for the game-winner.

UC Davis outshot its guests by a 18-5 margin, including 10-2 in the first half. King had a key save against Amarikwa in the 69th minute, stopping a low line drive from about six yards out along the left side of the box. The Highlanders held UC Davis to three shots in the second period, and managed to fire three of their own. With 31 seconds remaining in regulation, UCR sophomore forward Andrew Villalobos sent a blast from 25-yard at the Aggie cage, but UC Davis keeper Derek Shaffer stopped the shot and helped force the overtime.

The Aggies continued to apply pressure in the overtime, taking four more stabs at the Riverside net before Amarikwa drew the key foul. King made a diving save on an Aggie attempt. It was during the ensuing possession after King's save that Amarikwa advanced in his attacking third and drew the penalty.

Both King and Shaffer had two saves for the match.

Three Goal Second Half Leads UCR to Win

(Oct. 14, 2005) - UC Riverside overcame a 2-0 deficit, scoring three second-half goals to defeat Cal State Fullerton 3-2 Friday afternoon at the UCR Soccer Stadium. The victory snaps a three-game losing streak for the Highlanders, who improve to 3-8-1, 1-3-0 in the Big West, while dropping the Titans to 2-9-1, 0-4-0.

UCR scored three times in the final 13 minutes and twice in the last seven to shock the Titans. After falling behind 2-0 in the 52nd minute, freshman defender David Watson scored his first collegiate goal on an improbable 35-yard shot that cleared Titan goalie Matt Cowan and landed in the top corner of the net. Sophomore forward Joey Pacheco was awarded the assist.

Given new life, UCR equalized at 83:29. Pacheco started the move by finding freshman forward Kyle Ochoa on the right touchline. Ochoa sent a low cross into the penalty area where senior forward Randy Poggio met it with a diving header that found the bottom right corner of the goal. It was Poggio’s third goal of the season.

The Highlanders grabbed the winner with 3:28 remaining as Poggio and Ochoa again linked up. Ochoa settled a long clearance from the defense inside the UCR half, then played a neat one-two with Poggio in the center circle. With the return pass, Poggio found a sprinting Ochoa alone in the Titan half and Ochoa had a one-on-one with Cowan. The attacker got his toe to the ball first, poking it past Cowan before the two collided. UCR went ahead 3-2 but both players stayed down for several minutes. Ochoa soon rose to his feet while Cowan had to be stretchered off after a 25 minute delay. The goal was Ochoa’s third of the year.

Despite pushing all their men forward, the Titans could not find their third goal in losing their third straight game.

The contest had started brightly for Cal State Fullerton, who took the lead after eight minutes. Jacob Shumway gathered a loose ball in the box and pushed the ball to Eugene Brooks, whose left-footed shot beat UCR sophomore goalkeeper Jordan King to open the scoring.

UCR had more of the offensive chances in the first half but their shots were either off-target or turned away by Cowan. The Highlanders outshot CSUF 10-5 in the opening 45 minutes but found themselves trailing 1-0 at the half.

Much like the first half, Fullerton scored eight minutes into the second period. Arron Craggs sent a through-ball to Jose Barragan, who beat the UCR offside trap before dribbling around King to make it 2-0 to the Titans.

UCR held an overall shot advantage of 19-9. King did not make a save but garnered the win. Cowan stopped six shots before giving way to Bobby Armstrong, who was not called into action for the final three minutes.

The Highlanders improve to 5-4 all-time against the Titans and have won four of the last five meetings. This was the sixth consecutive match between the two schools to be decided by a one goal margin.

Ochoa Scores Late Again to Lift UCR 2-1

(Oct. 16, 2005) - Freshman forward Kyle Ochoa scored his second game-winning goal in as many games, firing home with 59 seconds left to lift UC Riverside to a 2-1 victory over Cal Poly Sunday afternoon in front of 207 fans at the UCR Soccer Stadium. The Highlanders won their second straight game to improve to 4-8-1, 2-3-0 in the Big West Conference. The Mustangs fell to 4-9-0, 0-4-0.

Two days after grabbing the winning goal as UCR came back from trailing 2-0 to defeat Cal State Fullerton 3-2, Ochoa was again the hero as the Highlanders overcame another second-half deficit. With the clock winding down, senior midfielder Scott Barnett penetrated the Mustang defense, only to have his shot blocked by Cal Poly goalie Jeremy Coupe. The ball fell right at Ochoa’s feet and the freshman put away his empty-net shot with 59 ticks remaining on the clock. It was Ochoa’s team-leading fourth goal of the year.

In a physical match that saw a combined nine yellow cards and two reds, a goalless tie gave way to three second-half goals. After going a man down in the 47th minute, it was Poly who took the lead off some shaky UCR defense. Junior defender Josh Valerio attempted to head clear a Mustang cross but got too far underneath it, sending the ball high in the air in the penalty box. Cal Poly’s Chris Miechowski beat UCR sophomore goalie Jordan King to the ball, heading it into an empty net to make it 1-0 at 58:31.

UCR equalized seven minutes later. The Highlanders won a free kick near the left corner flag and Barnett swung in a low cross. Senior forward Randy Poggio flicked it at the near post, directly into the path of a Mustang defender, who had it bounce unluckily off his leg and into the net for an own goal.

The match turned chippy as both sides pushed forward for a winner. The game seemed heading for overtime until Ochoa again popped up in the right place at the right time.

UCR held a 17-9 shot advantage and were unfortunate not to take the lead in the first half, when sophomore forward Joey Pacheco’s goal was disallowed for offside.

King made two saves in gaining the win while Coupe stopped six shots for the Mustangs.

Ochoa Named Big West Player of the Week

(Oct. 17, 2005) - UC Riverside men’s soccer player Kyle Ochoa was named the Big West Conference’s Player of the Week for the week of October 10-16, it was announced Monday. Ochoa scored the game-winning goals in both of the Highlanders’ victories over the weekend.

A freshman forward, Ochoa (Etiwanda, CA/Etiwanda HS) helped the Highlanders record their first conference victories of the season. On Friday, UCR climbed back from a 2-0 deficit with 13 minutes remaining against Cal State Fullerton. Ochoa assisted on the game-tying goal then scored the game-winner on a breakaway with 3:28 left for a dramatic 3-2 win that snapped UCR’s three-game losing streak.

Two days later, Ochoa was once again instrumental as the Highlanders came from behind, this time scoring twice in the final 25 minutes to erase a one-goal deficit against Cal Poly. Ochoa pounced on a rebounded shot to score the game-winning goal with just 59 seconds left on the clock in a 2-1 victory.

Ochoa leads the Highlanders with four goals in 2005 and is tied for the team-high with nine points. He ranks seventh in both categories in the Big West Conference. He is one goal shy of tying the school’s freshman record of five goals, set by Nick Supergan in 2002. He is the first Highlander men’s soccer player to be so honored this season and the first since current senior Scott Barnett was honored on September 7, 2004.

The Highlanders’ two-game winning streak has elevated them out of the Big West basement. UCR sits in fourth place in the conference with an overall record of 4-8-1, 2-3-0 in conference play.

Matadors Squeak By Highlanders 1-0

(Oct. 22, 2005) - Cal State Northridge scored the game's only goal in the 26th minute to defeat UC Riverside 1-0 Saturday afternoon at Matador Soccer Field. The 19th-ranked Matadors improved to 9-2-3 overall and remain unbeaten in Big West play with a 5-0-1 record. The Highlanders fall to 4-9-1 and 2-4 in conference action.

Will Beard chose a great time to score his first goal of the season for the injury- plagued Matadors, who were playing without starters Alec de Mattos, Zach Feldman and Willie Sims. Devin Deldó crossed a ball into the box from the left side, which came to the feet of Beard and UCR sophomore keeper Jordan King. Beard would be the first to get a foot on it, beating King to put the Matadors ahead 1-0 at 25:58.

The Matadors dominated the ball possession for the match, but only had a 15-10 shot advantage thanks to a stifling Highlander defense. Daniel Paladini had the first chance in the 13th minute, taking a cross from Ryan Rossi. But his shot from the middle of the box was saved by King. Eight minutes later, Paladini crossed to Deldó, but King made a diving save on an attempt to the top right corner.

In the second half, Taylor Canel had the first good opportunity, taking a Paladini corner kick in the 54th minute and heading it off the right post. King and the UCR backline would hold the Matadors to one goal with some great stops in the final 14 minutes. Paladini had a header from the top of the box off a Deldó cross saved by King in the 77th minute. Four minutes later, sophomore defender Josh Valerio stopped an attempt inches before it crossed the goal line. King misplayed a ball and allowed Beard to get past him to an empty net. The senior was checked by a UCR defender, but still got a shot off. However, Valerio came down the right side and kicked the ball away before it crossed the line.

With 5:34 remaining, King again come to the rescue. Chad Borak passed to Rossi, who one-touched to Gianni Facio, but his attempt from 20 yards out was saved. The Highlanders had very few good scoring chances, with the best coming in the 78th minute when senior forward Randy Poggio sent a shot from 25 yards out just high to the left.

Matador keeper Kevin Guppy would make two saves in goal in posting his third shutout in the last four games. Paladini had a game-high three shots for CSUN, while Beard, Canel and Deldó had two each. For Riverside, sophomore midfielder Steven Kaufman and senior midfielder Erasmo Solorzano had two shots apiece. King made five saves in net.

Anteaters Defeat Highlanders 1-0

(Oct. 26, 2005) - UC Riverside lost its second consecutive 1-0 game, falling to UC Irvine Wednesday afternoon in a Big West Conference match at UCR Soccer Stadium. The Highlanders fall to 4-10-1, 2-5-0 in the BWC, while the Anteaters improve to 8-4-3, 4-0-1.

A fairly quiet first half gave way to an inspired second half for both teams. After out-shooting UCR 8-1 in the first 45 minutes but denied a goal, the Anteaters got on the board at 58:35. Anthony Hamilton headed down a loose ball outside the 18-yard box. Daniel Marshall ran onto it and hit a shot from 20 yards that found the lower left corner of the net.

The Highlanders pushed forward and almost equalized on several occasions. In the 78th minute, junior midfielder Erasmo Solorzano saw his shot rebound off the post to freshman forward Kyle Ochoa but Ochoa could not follow with a shot. Pushing four forwards onto the Anteater back line, UCR almost pulled level in the final minute. Freshman defender Aaron Hunter chased down a loose ball but his shot was blocked by UCI goalkeeper Ryan Mathy. The ball came to freshman forward T.J. Bombard, who looped his shot over Mathy and seemingly into the net. But UCI’s Cameron Dunn came sprinting back to head the ball off the goal line and end the Highlander rally.

UCI held a 12-9 shot advantage overall. Mathy made two saves for the match while UCR sophomore goalie Jordan King stopped four shots.

Highlanders Drop Third Straight By 1-0 Score

(Oct. 28, 2005) - An injury-ravaged UC Riverside fought hard but lost its third consecutive 1-0 game, falling in double overtime at the University of San Francisco Friday night in a non-conference match. The Highlanders drop to 4-11-1 overall while the Dons improve to 7-5-3.

In the first-ever matchup between the schools, the Dons controlled play most of the night but had nothing to show for it until six minutes remaining in the second overtime. Adam Bergman took a through pass from Rob Valentino and pushed it past UC Riverside junior goalkeeper Andrew Hills to end the contest.

The Dons outshot their guests 12-6 on the night and nearly took the lead earlier but Aaron Chandler's shot rebounded off the crossbar and bounced away. The win ended a four game winless streak for USF.

Normally a midfielder, Hills made his first collegiate appearance in goal after the Highlanders lost their first three goalies earlier this season to injury. The fill-in performed admirably, making six saves. Geremy Uhl made three saves for USF in recording his seventh shutout of the season.

UCR extended its school record of consecutive one-goal games, registering their ninth such game in a row. The Highlanders are 3-6 in that span.

Highlanders Put Season-High Five Goals Past Cal Poly

(Nov. 4, 2005) - UC Riverside got goals from five different players as the Highlanders scored a season-high five goals in a 5-0 shutout victory over Cal Poly in a Big West Conference match Friday night at Mustang Stadium. The Highlanders snap a three-game losing streak to improve to 5-11-1, 3-5-0, while handing the Mustangs their tenth straight loss to drop them to 4-14-0, 0-9-0.

Three of Riverside's five goals came in the first half of play. Senior midfielder Scott Barnett got the ball rolling with his first goal of the season at the 11:53 mark. Senior forward Randy Poggio made it 2-0 with his fourth goal of the season in the 34th minute. Four minutes later, freshman forward T.J. Bombard scored his first career goal, putting Riverside in a 3-0 lead at the end of first half play.

UCR's offense did not slow down in the second half. Junior midfielder Mark Moreira recieved a pass from Randy Poggio in an open field to record his first goal of the season in the 57th minute. Eight minutes later, sophomore Zack Seale scored Riverside's fifth goal of the night, and the first of his collegiate career, off a penalty kick.

Making his second appearance in goal for Riverside, former midfielder Andrew Hills recorded seven saves for his first career shutout. One save went to the Highlander team. Jeremy Coupe and Tony Parenti combined for four saves in the loss.

The five goals is a season-high for the Highlanders and tied for the most in a single game at the Division I level. Coincidentally enough, UCR previously scored five goals in their last visit to San Luis Obispo, beating the Mustangs 5-4 on October 17, 2004.

Highlanders Drop Home Finale to #25 UCSB

(Nov. 9, 2005) - UC Riverside lost its home season finale, 3-1 to 25th-ranked UC Santa Barbara Wednesday afternoon in a Big West Conference match at UCR Soccer Stadium. The Highlanders fall to 5-12-1, 3-6-0 in the BWC, while the Gauchos improve to 11-4-3, 6-1-2.

UC Santa Barbara has not lost to UC Riverside in ten Division I meetings and it showed in the first half as the Gauchos scored all three of their goals. Andrew Proctor opened the scoring at 21:24, taking a Bryan Byrne pass and touching it past a defender before firing home from eight yards. Eight minutes later, Brennan Tennelle made it 2-0, following up a Proctor shot to slot into an empty net. The Gauchos went ahead 3-0 in the 40th minute, as Alfonso Motagalvan headed in a cross from Eric Frimpong.

The Highlanders regrouped at halftime and pulled a goal back at 50:54. UCR won a free kick on the left side, just outside the penalty area. Senior midfielder Jordan Arias sent in a low cross that senior forward Randy Poggio got to first, heading in his team-leading fifth goal of the season. The assist was Arias’ 11th of his career, tying him for the most all-time in UCR Division I history.

With a renewed vigor, the Highlanders had most of the possession in the second half but could not get any closer on the scoreboard. At the other end, junior goalkeeper Andrew Hills made several crucial saves to keep the Gauchos scoreless in the second half.

Hills finished with seven saves while UCSB’s Kyle Reynish was called on to stop one shot. Prior to the match, UC Riverside honored its five graduating seniors: Arias, Poggio, midfielders Juan Gutierrez and Scott Barnett, and defender Tre Lee.

Highlanders Win Season Finale in Double Overtime

(Nov. 12, 2005) - Sophomore forward Andrew Villalobos' first goal of the year ended the 2005 men's soccer seasons for UC Riverside and Cal State Fullerton Saturday night as it came in the second overtime period and gave the Highlanders a 2-1 Big West Conference victory over the host Titans. UCR ends the season at 6-12-1 overall and 4-6-0 in the Big West. Fullerton loses its fifth in a row to finish 4-14-1 overall and 1-9-0 in the Big West in the final game of Coach Al Mistri's 25-year tenure.

Villalobos one-timed a long cross from senior forward Randy Poggio past Titan goalkeeper Kevin Puder with only 3:51 remaining in the second extra period. It was Poggio's team-leading seventh assist of the year.

After a scoreless first half, UCR took a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute when freshman defender Joel Crompton scored on a header off a cross from senior defender Tre Lee.

UCR held the lead until the final minutes. Fullerton avoided its 11th shutout of the season when Jose Barragan headed in a long cross from Taylor Sheldrick with 1:58 remaining in regulation.

Four Highlanders Earn All-Conference Nods

(November 15, 2005) - Four members of the UC Riverside men’s soccer team received All-Big West Conference recognition, it was announced Tuesday. The four players ties the 2004 squad for the most Highlanders to be honored.

Senior defender Scott Barnett (Newbury Park, CA/Loyola College (MD)) was named to the second team while senior forward Randy Poggio (Santa Ana, CA/San Jose State Univ.), senior midfielder Jordan Arias (Palm Springs, CA/Palm Springs HS) and freshman forward Kyle Ochoa (Etiwanda, CA/Etiwanda HS) were all honorable mention selections.

Barnett landed on the second team last season as a midfielder, then moved to defense in 2005 to earn his second consecutive second team recognition. He appeared in all 19 of the Highlanders’ games, starting 18. On offense, he scored one goal and added one assist for three points, but it was on defense where his presence was truly felt. Despite playing the final four matches with an outfield player in goal, Barnett helped UCR lower its goals-against-average from 1.89 last season to 1.56 this year, the second-lowest total in the school’s Division I history.

Poggio appeared just one season in the UCR uniform after transferring from San Jose State in the spring. He led the Highlanders with five goals, seven assists, and 17 points while starting 15 of the 19 games. Poggio’s seven assists put him second on the UCR single-season list and his five goals and 17 points are each fourth-most in UCR Division I history. On November 4 at Cal Poly, Poggio tied two UCR single-game records with three assists and five points in a 5-0 victory.

With his second honorable mention recognition, Arias becomes only the second Highlander to have earned all-conference honors three times, joining Luc Harrington (2002-2004). After being named to the second team in 2004, Arias struggled with injuries in 2005 but still managed to start 13 of his 15 games. Arias scored one goal and added two assists for four points this season while controlling the Highlander attack from central midfield. Arias ends his career tied for the most games played (69) and assists (11) while landing second on the career points list (29) and third on the goals top-10 (nine).

UCR’s leading scorer for most of the season, Ochoa had a fine freshman campaign, finishing second on the team with four goals and one assist for nine points. Ochoa started 13 of his 18 appearances and led the Highlanders with two game-winning goals. He was named the Big West Player of the Week for October 10-16 after netting the game-winners against Cal State Fullerton and Cal Poly.

UCR finished the 2005 season with a 6-12-1 overall record and was fourth in the Big West Conference at 4-6-0.

Soccer Fundraiser to Be Held May 22

(March 21, 2006) - The UC Riverside men's soccer program will hold its second annual golf fundraiser Saturday, May 22, at Sierra Lakes Golf Club.

The cost of participation will be just $120, which includes green fees, golf cart, range balls, longest drive contest, closest to the pin contest, boxed lunch, Western BBQ dinner, prizes, awards, and a soccer and golf auction.

The best way to support the event is to come out and play with your family, friends or colleagues as a foursome or as an individual paired by the Tournament Committee. You can also donate auction items, sponsor a hole, or sponsor one of the longest drive or closest to the pin contests.

You can sign-up for the event by simply completing and returning the above form.

For more information, contact Jimmy Nordberg in the men's soccer office at (951) 827-5022.