Andrea Luttio scored the first of UC Riverside's two goals in a 2-1 win over Lamar. Photo Credit: UC Riverside

College Soccer News: UC Riverside Splits a Pair in UCR Women’s Soccer Tournament

The UC Riverside (UCR) Women's Soccer Team dropped a 1-0 decision to New Mexico Friday evening, September 21, in the first match for both clubs in the UC Riverside Women's Soccer Tournament. The Highlanders came back on Sunday to defeat Lamar University 2-1 to improve their overall record to 5-4-2.

The Lobos had two scoring chances early in the first half off of corner kicks, but headers on both plays were wide of the mark.

Dylann O'Conner put New Mexico on the board with 23:01 gone in the match as Lauren Irwin found her on the left side of the box one on one with UCR keeper Jessica White beating her from six yards out.

The Lobos outshot the Highlanders 10-3 in the period and had four corner kicks in the half to none for UCR.

UC Riverside was more aggressive in the second 45 minutes, but New Mexico still got the better of the play outshooting the Highlanders 6-2. Unfortunately for the hosts, none of UCR's shots on the night were on goal, and the Lobos walked away with the 1-0 victory.

UCR got back into the win column Sunday afternoon, September 23, with a 2-1 victory over Lamar in the final match of the tournament.

The Highlanders (5-4-2) found the back of the net with just five minutes gone in the first period as Shelley Brumbaugh sent a ball from the right corner to Andrea Luttio, who pushed it past Cardinals keeper Elizabeth Silas for her first score of the season.

Less than 20 minutes later, UCR made it 2-0 as Celina Valencia centered the ball to Amber Marani who slotted it into the box where Crystal Lopez was there to beat the keeper from 12 yards out. It was Lopez's second goal of the year.

Even though the Highlanders outshot Lamar 10-3 in the second period, the Cardinals halved the lead at the 76:30 mark. Amber Thornhill chipped the ball to Kimmy Albeno, who headed it past UCR keeper Jessica White. White got her fingertips on the ball but couldn't quite prevent ir from going in the goal.

The Highlanders remain at home this weekend as Big West Conference play begins Friday with a 5:00 p.m. PT meeting with Long Beach State.

Related Articles: College Soccer on SoccerNation