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(Sept. 3, 2004) –
Two goals from junior midfielder Scott Barnett (Newbury Park,
CA/Loyola College) gave UCR
a season-opening 2-1 victory over Big West Conference
foes Cal State Fullerton Friday in front of 703 fans at Fullerton's
Titan Stadium.
Barnett opened the scoring
with a strike in the 36th minute. Sophomore Erasmo Solorzano
(Riverside, CA/Riverside Poly HS) sent in a cross and Barnett
converted from 10 yards out. Barnett added his second in the
59th minute, heading in a cross from junior Juan Gutierrez.
The Titans managed to pull
a goal back in the 67th minute through Taylor Sheldrick but
the Highlanders hung on for their third consecutive 2-1 victory
over Fullerton. Sophomore Charles Alamo (San Luis Obispo,
CA/San Luis Obispo HS) withstood a flurry of shots in the
second half, making three saves for the win.
UCR (1-0, 1-0) plays at
#7 UCLA on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
(Sept. 5, 2004) –
The UCR men's soccer team dropped its first game of 2004,
losing 1-0 at seventh-ranked
UCLA Sunday in front of 731 fans at Drake Stadium. A UCLA
goal just before halftime would prove the difference as the
Highlanders fought hard against the three-time national champion
Bruins.
Despite being outshot 17-4
on the day, UCR maintained pressure on UCLA and would not
roll over. The score remained knotted at 0-0 until UCLA's
Kamani Hill found space in the box to fire homefrom 13 yards
in the 41st minute. The Highlanders came out strong in the
second half, looking for an equalizer but could not break
through.
Sophomore goalie Charles
Alamo (San Luis Obispo, CA/San Luis Obispo HS) withstood a
flurry of shots, stopping eight in the loss. His counterpart,
Eric Reed, preserved the shutout with two saves.
UCR (1-1-0) has its home
opener on Thursday, hosting San Diego State. Kickoff is at
3 p.m. at the UCR Soccer Stadium.
(Sept. 7, 2004) –
Junior midfielder Scott Barnett was named the Big West Conference’s
Male Soccer Player of the Week, it was announced today. Barnett
scored both goals in the Highlanders’ season opening
2-1 win over conference rivals Cal State Fullerton on Friday.
Barnett, a native of Newbury
Park, CA, opened the scoring on Friday in the 36th minute
with a 10-yard strike. He claimed his second goal, and the
eventual game-winner, in the 59th minute, sending a powerful
header into the back of the net to clinch Head Coach Junior
Gonzalez’s first win as a head coach.
Barnett also played an outstanding
game on Sunday in UCR’s 1-0 loss at seventh-ranked UCLA.
Although he did not get on the scoresheet, Barnett was able
to patrol the midfield to keep the Highlanders in step with
the Bruins.
Barnett has already exceeded his goal tally from last season,
when he netted a lone goal and also picked up an assist.
UCR is 1-1-0 and 1-0 in
the Big West Conference. The Highlanders host San Diego State
in their home opener on Thursday at 3 p.m.
(Sept. 9, 2004) –
UCR scored two first half goals and then held on, defeating
San Diego State 2-0 Thursday at the UCR Soccer Stadium.
Early strikes from freshman Josh Valerio and senior Luc Harrington
proved the difference as UCR improved to 2-1 on the season.
In a very physical match,
the Aztecs (0-3) controlled most of the play early although
neither team managed to settle into a rhythm. With 13 minutes
gone, UCR pinned San Diego into the corner and collected on
the clearance. Junior forward Scott Barnett (Newbury Park,
CA/Loyola College, MD) settled on the ball and played it wide
left to streaking freshman midfielder Joey Pacheco (Moreno
Valley, CA/Canyon Springs HS). Pacheco beat his defender and
cut the ball back to Valerio (Westminster, CA/Fresno State
University), who slotted the ball into the corner from the
penalty spot for his first collegiate goal.
The Highlanders made it
2-0 just before the 30 minute mark through the work of a couple
senior substitutes. Midfielder Jeff Pusey (Alta Loma, CA/Alta
Loma HS) pounced on a loose ball and served the ball back
over the top of the Aztec defense. Classmate Luc Harrington
(Diamond Bar, CA/Diamond Bar HS) beat the offside trap and
calmly finished past the on-rushing goalie. For Harrington,
UCR’s leading scorer last season, it was a welcome return
to the field, having sat out the first two games with illness.
UCR could have extended
its lead before halftime but Aztec goalie Tally Hall turned
away sophomore forward Mark Moreira’s (San Diego, CA/Point
Loma HS) point-blank header. The scoreline remained the same
throughout the second half despite chances for both sides.
Sophomore goalie Charles
Alamo (San Luis Obispo, CA/San Luis Obispo HS) gained his
second win of the year, and first shutout, by making two saves.
The win was the first ever for the Highlanders over San Diego
State. UCR had previously been 0-6-2 versus the Aztecs.
UCR has a week off before
playing next. The Highlanders travel to Seattle September
17-19 for two neutral site games. They take on the University
of Denver on Friday at 4:30 p.m. before facing St. Mary’s
College on Sunday at 11 a.m.
(Sept. 17, 2004) –
Senior forward Luc Harrington came off the bench to score
the only goal in UCR's 1-0 victory
over the University of Denver Friday at the Husky Invitational
in Seattle, WA.
Harrington's 53rd minute
header proved the difference as Denver had much of the play
throughout the game. The Pioneers outshot UCR 19-8 and held
an 8-3 advantage in corner kicks. However, it was Harrington's
height on a set piece that gave Riverside the win.
The Highlanders gained a
free kick in the attacking third and junior midfielder Jordan
Arias sent the ball into the penalty box. Harrington got his
head to it and redirected the ball into the back of the net
for his second goal in as many games after missing the first
three games of the year.
After gaining the lead,
the Highlanders defended furiously to protect the one-goal
advantage. In the end, they were able to hold on for their
second consecutive win.
Sophomore goalie Charles
Alamo registered his second consecutive shutout, stopping
six shots.
UCR improves to 3-1-0 on
the season while Denver drops to 3-2-0. The Highlanders take
on St. Mary's College on Sunday at 11 a.m. in their final
game of the Husky Invitational.
(Sept. 19, 2004) –
Second half goals from senior forward Luc Harrington and freshman
forward Andrew Villalobos gave UCR
a wild 4-2 victory over the St. Mary's College Sunday
at the Husky Invitational in Seattle, WA. The Highlanders
went 2-0 in the tournament and ran their winning streak to
three games.
Both teams traded goals
in a high-scoring affair that featured three goals in the
first twelve minutes. The Highlanders (4-1-0, 1-0-0) struck
first, finding the net after only 4:47. Freshman forward Joey
Pacheco latched on to a long ball from sophomore goalie Charles
Alamo and beat Gael keeper Brian Mason from twelve yards out.
UCR's lead did not last long as St. Mary's tied it up at the
10:20 mark.
Riverside pushed ahead again
two minutes later as junior midfielder Scott Barnett sent
a shot over Mason and into the back of the net for his third
goal of the season. SMC would tie it again before halftime,
converting a penalty kick.
UCR regrouped at halftime
and solidified the defense, holding St. Mary's scoreless for
the second half. The Highlanders took the lead for good eight
minutes into the second half with Harrington scoring from
the penalty spot for his third goal in as many games.
Riverside got an insurance
goal at 68:01, as Villalobos took on the Gael defense and
unleashed a shot from 20 yards out that settled in the net
for a 4-2 advantage.
UCR was outshot, 19-13,
for the second straight game but managed to make it count
on the scoresheet.
Alamo played all 90 minutes,
making two saves in gaining the win.
UCR plays its second conference
game of the season on the road Thursday, when the Highlanders
travel to UC Santa Barbara at 7 p.m. They then play at Loyola
Marymount University on Sunday at 3 p.m.
(Sept. 21, 2004) –
UCR brought home its first major hardware under head coach
Junior Gonzalez, winning the University of Washington's Husky
Invitational in Seattle, WA, over the weekend. Senior Luc
Harrington (Diamond Bar, CA/Diamond Bar HS) was named the
tournament's Offensive Most Valuable Player as the Highlanders
were the only team to go undefeated, posting a 2-0 record.
UCR began the weekend on
Friday with a 1-0 win over Denver.
Harrington came off the bench to grab the game-winning goal
in the 53rd minute off a header from a free kick by junior
midfielder Jordan Arias (Palm Springs, CA/Palm Springs HS).
Sophomore goalkeeper Charles Alamo (San Luis Obispo, CA/San
Luis Obispo HS) made six saves for his second consecutive
shutout victory.
On Sunday, the Highlanders
won their third straight game and second of the weekend by
beating St. Mary's College 4-2.
Both teams started strong, scoring a combined three goals
in the first 13 minutes of the game. UCR scored on its first
two shots, with freshman forward Joey Pacheco (Moreno Valley,
CA/Canyon Springs HS) and junior forward Scott Barnett (Newbury
Park, CA/Loyola College) claiming the goals. With the game
tied at 2-2, Harrington played hero once again, converting
a penalty in the 53rd minute after freshman forward Andrew
Villalobos (Whittier, CA/La Serna HS) was brought down in
the box. Villalobos grabbed a goal himself at 68:01 to put
the game out of reach.
UCR (4-1-0) has won three
straight games and sits atop the Big West Conference standings
with a 1-0 record. The Highlanders return to conference play
on Thursday, when they travel to #1-ranked UC Santa Barbara.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Harder Stadium. UCR then
visits Loyola Marymount University on Sunday at 3 p.m.
(Sept. 21, 2004) –
For the first time since UCR joined Division 1 in 2001, the
Highlander men's soccer team will face the top ranked team
in the nation when Riverside travels to UC Santa Barbara on
Thursday at 7 pm.
Thursday's match will feature
the #1 team in the nation against the top team in the Big
West Conference standings. UCSB holds a 6-0-0 record and has
yet to play a conference game while UCR is 4-1-0 with a 1-0
record in the BWC. The teams are ranked #1 and #2 in the conference
in goals for and goals allowed. UCSB holds an 11-1 scoring
advantage while UCR is second, having scored nine goals and
allowed four.
UCR is riding a three-game
winning streak, having defeated San Diego State 2-0 and then
winning last weekend's Husky Invitational with a 1-0 victory
over Denver and a 4-2 win against St. Mary's. Senior forward
Luc Harrington (Diamond Bar, CA/Diamond Bar HS) was named
Most Valuable Player of that tournament, scoring the game-winning
goals in each match.
The Gauchos attained the
top spot in the Soccer America national poll by virtue of
knocking off previous #1 and defending national champion Indiana
University 1-0 on Saturday. UCSB had previously been ranked
third in that poll. The Gauchos are also currently ranked
second by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America
and Soccer Times, and third by College Soccer News.
In the Gauchos, the Highlanders
will be playing their second top-10 team this year. On September
5, Riverside lost at seventh-ranked UCLA 1-0. UCR is 0-1-1
all-time versus ranked opponents. They previously tied #24
Hofstra 0-0 on Sept. 22, 2002. If the rankings do not change,
the Highlanders will face one other ranked team this season,
#21 Washington at home on Friday, October 1 at 4 p.m.
(Sept. 22, 2004) –
Riding the heels of UCR’s first trophy in men’s
soccer since joining Division 1 in 2001, the Highlanders received
their first-ever regional ranking in the NSCAA/adidas poll.
UCR is ranked ninth in the Far West Region.
“We are excited to
receive regional recognition for our efforts for the first
time in the program’s history,” first year Head
Coach Junior Gonzalez said. “The team has worked hard
and this is a great achievement for our senior leaders who
have been here from the beginning. At the same time, we are
looking to build upon this achievement to work our way up
in both the Far West and national polls.”
Riverside is currently in the midst of a three game winning
streak and has an overall record of 4-1-0. This past weekend,
UCR claimed the program’s first tournament trophy by
winning the University of Washington’s Husky Invitational,
going 2-0 against regional teams. On Friday, the Highlanders
defeated the University of Denver 1-0. They followed that
with a 4-2 victory over St. Mary’s College.
UCR faces its toughest test
of the young season on Thursday, when they travel to UC Santa
Barbara (6-0-0) at 7 pm. The Gauchos are the top-ranked squad
in the NSCAA regional poll and occupy the second spot in the
national rankings. UCSB is also ranked #1 in the nation in
the Soccer America poll. This is the second nationally ranked
team the Highlanders will face this season, having previously
lost 1-0 at #7 UCLA on Sept. 5.
(Sept. 23, 2004) –
UCR's dreams of knocking off the country's top-ranked team
came up short Thursday night as the Highlanders
fell to UC Santa Barbara 3-0. The valiant effort by Riverside
was not enough to topple the defending Big West champs and
newly-crowned #1 team in the nation.
UCSB forward Neil Jones'
hat-trick proved the difference in the game. Jones first put
the Gauchos on the board at the 25:27 mark when he re-directed
senior Drew McAthy¹s lofted pass and put it into the right
hand side of the goal. UCR managed to hold the Gauchos scoreless
for the rest of the half although the Highlanders could not
find an equalizer before intermission.
Jones made it 2-0 in the
62nd minute when Tino Nuñez slipped him a pass in the center
of the field. Sophomore goalkeeper Charles Alamo (San Luis
Obispo, CA/San Luis Obispo HS) rushed off his line in an attempt
to hurry Jones but Jones was able to chip Alamo from about
40 yards out. Jones completed his hat trick and put the game
out of reach at the 77:17 mark when he took another pass from
Nuñez and one-touched to the left of a diving Alamo.
Alamo kept UCR in the game
with seven saves, several from point-blank range. He also
weathered 13 UCSB corner kicks. UCR could not do much offensively
against the Gauchos, who have recorded six shutouts in their
first seven games. The Highlanders had just one corner kick
and were outshot 18-3.
Playing its first match
as the top-ranked team in the nation, UCSB improved to 7-0-0
overall and 1-0-0 in Big West play. UCR falls to 4-2-0 on
the season and 1-1-0 in the Big West Conference. The Highlanders
look to bounce back on Sunday when they visit Loyola Marymount
at 3 p.m.
(Sept. 26, 2004) –
Loyola Marymount scored four unanswered goals on either side
of halftime to knock off UCR
5-2 Sunday at LMU's Sullivan Field. UCR scored first but
could not maintain the lead as the Lions (2-3-2) outshot the
Highlanders 17-7.
Riverside (4-3-0) got off
to an outstanding start, scoring within the first ten minutes.
UCR won an early corner and, after a scramble in the penalty
box, freshman defender Steven Kaufman (Encinitas, CA/La Costa
Canyon HS) found junior midfielder Scott Barnett (Newbury
Park, CA/Loyola College). Barnett slotted the ball home at
7:26 for his team-leading fourth goal of the year.
Despite leading 1-0, UCR
knew that there was plenty of time left to play. Missing several
players due to injury, the Highlanders tried desperately to
hold on to their one goal advantage. LMU would score twice
before halftime, however, with both goals proving unlucky
for the visiting side. In the 14th minute, the Lions drew
level as Danny Williams' shot took a deflection to beat UCR
sophomore goalie Charles Alamo (San Luis Obispo, CA/San Luis
Obispo HS). The Lions took the lead at 38:04, when Armando
Melendez converted a penalty kick.
UCR regrouped at halftime
but went down 3-1 barely two minutes after the restart as
Sean Rhynard scored off a Lion offensive attack. Forced to
chase the game and push forward, the Highlanders fell behind
by three goals in the 64th minute when Matt Kovar headed home
from a corner.
The Highlanders pulled a
goal back ten minutes from the end as junior midfielder Jordan
Arias (Palm Springs, CA/Palm Springs HS) curled in a beautiful
free kick. A miracle comeback was not to be, though, as LMU
pushed a fifth goal across at 86:52.
Alamo played all 90 minutes,
making seven saves. LMU's Shaun Kalnasy stopped three shots
in the victory.
The loss was UCR's second
in succession following a three-game winning streak. The Highlanders
return home on Friday, October 1, to play Washington at 4
p.m. The Highlanders then take on UC Daivs on Sunday, October
3, at 3 p.m.
(Oct. 1, 2004) – The
24th-ranked University of Washington (7-3-1) scored two goals
in the 86th minute to defeat
UC Riverside 2-0 in a close match Friday.
The 12-time Pac-10 champion
Huskies controlled most of the play in the first half but
the Highlanders were determined to show they could compete
with the big boys. Washington had two of its twelve first
half shots glance off the post but the UCR defense stood strong.
The Highlanders managed to counterattack to create scoring
chances themselves. One of which, junior midfielder Jordan
Arias’ (Palm Desert, CA/Palm Desert HS) curling free
kick, produced a diving save from Husky goalie Chris Eylander.
As the second half ticked
on, UCR continued to hold firm. The Huskies poured on the
pressure but UCR was up to the challenge. With four minutes
to go and the game looking like it would go into overtime,
however, Washington broke through. C.J. Klass was upended
in the penalty box and Mike Chabala sent UCR sophomore goalie
Charles Alamo (San Luis Obispo, CA/San Luis Obispo HS) the
wrong way to put UW up 1-0.
After battling for 86 minutes,
the Highlanders soon found themselves trailing 2-0. Just 17
seconds after the restart, Washington scored again, as Brett
Wiesner beat the UCR defense to put the game out of reach.
Alamo made four saves in
goal for the Highlanders while Eylander stopped three for
the Huskies.
This was the first-ever
meeting between these two schools. UCR drops to 0-3-1 against
nationally-ranked opponents, including 0-3 this season.
UCR (4-4) looks to bounce
back on Sunday against UC Davis. Kick-off is at 3 p.m. at
the UCR Soccer Stadium.
(Oct. 3, 2004) – For
the second time in three days, the UCR men’s soccer
team was victimized by a last-minute goal, as UC Davis scored
with 1:10 remaining to beat
the Highlanders 2-1 Sunday at the UCR Soccer Stadium.
The loss was UCR’s fourth in a row and drops them to
4-5-0 on the season.
Two days after falling victim
to a pair of late goals against #24 Washington, the Highlanders
started strong against the Division 1 newcomers and had several
early chances. Their efforts were rewarded when UCR found
the net at 21:52. Senior forward Luc Harrington (Diamond Bar,
CA/Diamond Bar HS) scored his fourth goal of the season thanks
to the work of two freshmen. Forward Andrew Villalobos (Whittier,
CA/La Serna HS) started the attack with a run down the right
side. His cross was flicked on by classmate Joey Pacheco (Moreno
Valley, CA/Canyon Springs HS) into the path of Harrington,
who steered the ball into the net for his 18th career goal.
The game remained scoreless
for the rest of the half, with the Highlanders holding a slim
4-3 advantage in shots. After the break, UCR almost made it
2-0 but sophomore forward Mark Moreira (San Diego, CA/Point
Loma HS) put his shot just wide and junior midfielder Jordan
Arias’ (Palm Springs, CA/Palm Springs HS) free kick
sailed over the bar.
Davis (4-5-1) scratched
its way level in the 72nd minute. Ryan Shaw’s shot from
20 yards caromed off the post, straight to Nicholas Lind,
who tapped into an empty net.
With the game looking like
it would head into overtime, the Aggies gained a fortunate
winner. UCR freshman goalkeeper Lucas Pepi (Santa Clarita,
CA/Saugus HS) claimed a high cross but collided with Lind,
popping the ball loose. Lind got to his feet quickest and
put the ball in the net for the game-winner.
Making his first collegiate
start, Pepi made five saves, many of which were spectacular
or from close range.
UCR returns to Big West
play on Wednesday, traveling to UC Irvine at 7 p.m. They return
home on Wednesday, October 13, with a rematch against #1 UC
Santa Barbara.
(Oct. 6, 2004) – UCR
got first half goals from freshman Josh Valerio and senior
Luc Harrington to end a four-game losing streak with a
2-0 victory at UC Irvine Wednesday. The Highlanders climb
back to .500 on the season with a 5-5 record and 2-1 in the
Big West Conference.
The Highlanders and Anteaters
have a history of closely-contested games, with all six of
their previous meetings being decided by own goal or less,
including three ties. Valerio (Westminster, CA/Fresno State
University) made sure UCR struck first, finding the net at
8:50 off a pass from freshman Joey Pacheco (Moreno Valley,
CA/Canyon Springs HS). It was Valerio's second goal of the
season and Pacheco's team-leading third assist.
UCR's leading active goalscorer,
Harrington (Diamond Bar, CA/Diamond Bar HS) netted his fifth
goal of the season at 28:25 to put UCR ahead 2-0. The senior
redirected a cross from junior midfielder Scott Barnett (Newbury
Park, CA/Loyola College) to collect his second goal in as
many games. Harrington has now scored in five of the seven
games in which he has played this year.
The Anteaters (4-6-0, 0-1-0)
held a 19-14 advantage in shots and won 10 corner kicks but
were unable to breach the Highlander goal. Sophomore goalkeeper
Charles Alamo (San Luis Obispo, CA/San Luis Obispo HS) stopped
four shots for his third shutout and school-record fifth win
of the season.
UCR takes a week off before
hosting top-ranked UC Santa Barbara next Wednesday, October
13, at 3 p.m. The Gauchos and Highlanders have already faced
once this season, with UCSB winning 3-0.
(Oct. 13, 2004) –
Top-ranked UC Santa Barbara scored three first half goals
to squelch UC Riverside’s
upset bid 3-0 Wednesday at the UCR Soccer Stadium. The
Gauchos claimed all three goals from headers as they defeated
the Highlanders for the second time this season.
UCR (5-6-0, 2-2-0 Big West)
got off to a strong start, stifling the Gauchos’ forwards
and pressing the #1 team’s defense. Both teams looked
to stretch the ball wide in the early going in hopes of opening
up the attack through the middle. One such attack found UCR
senior forward Luc Harrington (Diamond Bar, CA/Diamond Bar
HS) open in the box but his right-footed shot hit the side
netting.
UCSB (11-0-1, 4-0-0) took
the lead at 21:22 off a corner kick from the right side. Tony
Lochhead curled the set piece into the area where Nate Boyden
had lost his marker and headed the ball in. The Gauchos went
up 2-0 ten minutes later through Neil Jones, who headed in
a cross from the left from Myles Davis. It was 3-0 just before
halftime on an almost identical play. This time, Andrew Proctor
provided the cross from the left and Tino Nunez redirected
it into the corner.
UCR nearly pulled a goal
back before intermission as junior midfielder Jordan Arias
(Palm Springs, CA/Palm Springs HS) curled a free kick just
wide. Arias had another fine shot in the second half that
was heading into the upper corner before being turned away
by UCSB goalie Kyle Reynish. That would be the extent of the
action in the second half, however, as neither team could
add to the first half tally.
Sophomore goalie Charles
Alamo (San Luis Obispo, CA/San Luis Obispo HS) stopped one
shot for the Highlanders while Dan Kennedy and Reynish each
played a half for the Gauchos, making two and one saves, respectively.
UCR looks to bounce back
when it travels to Cal Poly on Sunday for a 4 p.m. match.
(Oct. 17, 2004) –
UCR needed every single one of a season-high five goals to
see off hosts Cal Poly in a
wild 5-4 victory Sunday in San Luis Obispo. Junior midfielder
Jordan Arias (Palm Springs, CA/Palm Springs HS) scored off
two magnificent free kicks and provided one assist as the
Highlanders came back from one-goal deficits three times to
claim their sixth win of the year.
The day got off to a poor
start for UCR, as they fell behind after just 2:41 from a
header by Poly's Matthew Robinson. They pulled back on level
terms in the 20th minute, however, through a free kick from
Arias. Senior forward Luc Harrington (Diamond Bar, CA/Diamond
Bar HS) played the ball to Arias, who fired a 22-yard shot
into the back of the net.
The Mustangs (4-4-3, 1-3-0
Big West) went up 2-1 thirteen minutes later, with Moses Venegas
taking advantage of a botched Highlander clearance. The lead
would not last long as UCR equalized again at 40:48 off a
corner kick. Arias' cross found senior defender Paul Salazar
(Rancho Cucamonga, CA/Rancho Cucamonga HS). Salazar struck
the ball from 25 yards, finding the net for his first career
goal.
With the score tied at two-all
at halftime, there would be much more action in the second
half. UCR took its first lead six minutes into the frame through
sophomore forward Mark Moreira (San Diego, CA/Point Loma HS).
Moreira's first career goal was a memorable one as he gathered
a pass on the right side from freshman forward Andrew Villalobos
(Whittier, CA/La Serna HS) and rocketed a 20-yard shot into
the corner.
No sooner had the Highlanders
taken the lead before the Mustangs answered back. Just two
minutes after Moreira's goal, Cal Poly scored off a 15-yard
shot from Mark Jones. The Mustangs then went ahead 4-3 with
a half hour remaining. Francisco Marmolejo collected himself
on a breakaway to chip UCR goalie Charles Alamo (San Luis
Obispo, CA/San Luis Obispo HS). That would be the last of
the scoring for the Mustangs, though.
UCR began its final dramatic
comeback in the 66th minute. A cross from freshman forward
Joey Pacheco (Encinitas, CA/La Costa Canyon HS) found its
way to Harrington's feet and the senior did not miss from
15 yards. The goal was Harrington's team-leading sixth of
the 2004 campaign and gave him 20 for his career, the most
since UCR jumped to Division I in 2001.
As the clock ticked down,
there was still time for Arias to work his magic. In the 80th
minute, the Highlanders won a free kick on the left side just
outside the Mustang penalty area and Arias bent the ball around
the Cal Poly wall and into the net for the game-winner.
The Highlanders were outshot
on the day 21-13 and weathered 13 Cal Poly shots on target
but managed to walk away with the win. Alamo collected seven
saves to extend his single-season goalie wins record to six.
UCR improves to 6-6-0 on
the season, 3-2-0 in conference play, equaling its school
record for most conference wins in a season. The Highlanders
shoot for more wins this week with two home contests. On Wednesday,
they complete the first round of conference play against Cal
State Northridge at 3 p.m. They then face UC Irvine on Saturday
at 1 p.m.
(Oct. 21, 2004) –
The UC Riverside men’s soccer game against Cal State
Northridge, originally scheduled for Wednesday, October 20
at 3:00 p.m., has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 23
at 1:00 pm. UCR’s match against UC Irvine, originally
scheduled for Saturday at 1:00 p.m. has been moved to Saturday,
November 6 at 1:00 p.m.
(Oct. 23, 2004) –
The UCR men’s soccer team walked away with a 1-1
double overtime draw against 24th-ranked Cal State Northridge
on Saturday at the UCR Soccer Stadium. The tie keeps alive
the Highlanders’ hopes for a Big West Conference title
as they remain tied for second in the conference standings.
Originally scheduled for
Wednesday but delayed by rain, the game was an exciting one
from the first whistle as both teams came out looking for
the maximum three points. Defending conference champions Northridge
(8-4-1, 3-1-1 Big West) came close in the first half on a
few occasions but were unable to hit the target. UCR had an
opportunity to take the lead when Northridge’s goalie,
Radames Lafaurie, bobbled junior midfielder Erasmo Solorzano’s
(Riverside, CA/Riverside Poly HS) 25-yard shot. Freshman forward
Joey Pacheco (Moreno Valley, CA/Canyon Springs HS) reacted
first but his follow went just wide.
CSUN went ahead 1-0 at 39:16
as Alec de Mattos broke through the Highlander defense. Sophomore
goalie Charles Alamo (San Luis Obispo, CA/San Luis Obispo
HS) committed off his line and forced de Mattos to shoot early.
His shot bounced off the post but directly into the path of
Ryan Rossi, who tapped the ball into the empty net.
The Highlanders wasted no
time in equalizing. Just 58 seconds after falling behind,
UCR was back on level terms. A poor clearance from Lafaurie
went straight to senior forward Luc Harrington (Diamond Bar,
CA/Diamond Bar HS). Harrington juked two defenders before
finishing with a left-footed shot from 18 yards. The goal
was Harrington’s team-leading seventh of the year and
leaves him one goal shy of his Division 1 school record of
eight goals.
The second half yielded
chances for both sides but Alamo was the star for the Highlanders,
making several one-handed diving saves to keep the game tied.
CSUN’s Gabriel Montoya hit the bar off a corner kick
as time wound down and the Highlanders sent several dangerous
balls into the Matador penalty area but could not connect
with a winner.
Northridge outshot UCR 22-13
but put only eight shots on target to the Highlanders’
six. The game was also a fairly even physical affair with
UCR committing 24 fouls to the Matadors’ 22. Alamo stopped
seven saves for UCR while Lafaurie had five saves for the
Matadors.
UCR (6-6-1, 3-1-1 Big West)
remains in a tie with Northridge for second place in the conference
on 10 points. The Highlanders have a game in hand and the
teams meet again in the season finale on November 13. Riverside
has a pair of matches next week. On Wednesday at 1 pm, the
Highlanders host Cal Poly, who they beat 5-4 on October 17.
They then travel to UC Davis on Saturday for a 1 p.m. kick-off.
(Oct. 28, 2004) –
The UC Riverside men’s soccer game against Cal Poly,
originally scheduled for Wednesday, October 27 at 1:00 p.m.,
has been rescheduled for Tuesday, November 9 at 2:00 p.m.
due to unplayable conditions.
2004 UCR
Men’s Soccer Remaining Schedule
Saturday, October 30 at UC Davis 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 3 Cal State Fullerton 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 6 UC Irvine 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 9 Cal Poly 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 13 at Cal State Northridge 2:30 p.m.
(Oct. 30, 2004) –
A pair of goals from junior midfielder Scott Barnett (Newbury
Park, CA/Loyola College) was not enough as UCR
fell 3-2 at UC Davis Saturday. In a see-saw game, the
Aggies scored with just over five minutes left to seal the
win.
The Highlanders ran off
to an excellent start as Barnett scored on the game's first
shot. Barnett stole a pass from two Aggie defenders, then
rifled a shot into the back of the net to give UCR a 1-0 lead
after just five minutes.
UCD (5-7-2) hit back in
the 24th minute as Nicholas Lind fired a hard shot that sophomore
goalie Charles Alamo (San Luis Obispo, CA/San Luis Obispo
HS) could only parry. Lind collected the rebound and scored
before Alamo could recover.
Davis took a 2-1 lead in
the 50th minute through Ryan Shaw but UCR answered less than
eight minutes later. Senior forward Luc Harrington (Diamond
Bar, CA/Diamond Bar HS) delivered a long pass to sophomore
forward Josh Valerio (Westminster, CA/Fresno State University),
who in turn picked out a streaking Barnett. Barnett comfortably
finished the break for his sixth goal of the year.
Both teams had opportunites
down the stretch, but neither could convert until the 85th
minute, when Shaw redirected a cross off a corner kick for
the deciding goal.
UCR (6-7-1, 3-2-1 Big West)
now turns its attention back to its quest for a Big West Conference
title. The Highlanders host Cal State Fullerton on Wednesday
and UC Irvine on Saturday in a rescheduled contest. Both matches
are scheduled for 1 p.m. kick-offs.
(Nov. 3, 2004) – Cal
State Fullerton scored with five minutes remaining to
upend UCR 2-1 Wednesday afternoon at the UCR Soccer Stadium.
The loss was the Highlanders’ second in a row in which
they had conceded a late winner.
Riverside jumped out to
an early 1-0 lead through some brilliance and trickery from
junior midfielder Scott Barnett (Newbury Park, CA/Loyola College).
In the ninth minute, freshman defender Steven Kaufman (Encinitas,
CA/La Costa Canyon HS) sent a cross in from the left where
Barnett was making a run. Seeing that the delivery would fall
short, the junior altered his jump so that he was moving away
from the goal. He then flicked out his right foot, connecting
with a back-heel from 15 yards that sent the ball looping
over Fullerton’s goalie, Sam Reynolds, and into the
back of the net. The goal was Barnett’s seventh of the
year, his third in two games, and third against the Titans
this season.
Fullerton (4-8-2, 2-4-0
Big West Conference) struck back at 19:49 as Ignacio Cid finished
off a chipped pass from Jose Barragan. Neither team scored
for the remainder of the half as each side took four shots.
The second half started
with both squads pushing forward for the go-ahead goal. CSUF
came close as Andrew Sam hit the post and then had his follow-up
blocked by sophomore goalie Charles Alamo (San Luis Obispo,
CA/San Luis Obispo HS). Minutes later, Alamo went low to his
right to stop another Titan shot.
UCR almost took the lead
with fifteen minutes remaining but Barnett’s effort
hit the underside of the crossbar and did not cross the line.
That would be the Highlanders’ last shot as Sam grabbed
the game-winner for Fullerton at 84:52 after UCR was reduced
to ten men.
Alamo made three saves for
the Highlanders. Reynolds also stopped three for the Titans.
The loss snaps UCR’s
three-game winning streak against the Titans and drops them
a game off the pace for the Big West title. The Highlanders
(6-8-1, 3-3-1 Big West) get a chance for climb back into the
race on Saturday when they host UC Irvine at 1 p.m.
(Nov. 6, 2004) – Senior
forward Luc Harrington (Diamond Bar, CA/Diamond Bar HS) converted
a penalty kick with 21 seconds remaining in the second overtime
period to lift UC Riverside
to a 1-0 victory over visiting UC Irvine Saturday at the
UCR Soccer Stadium. Harrington’s goal was his eighth
of the season, tying his own school record while the Highlanders
equaled a program-high with their seventh win.
With time ticking down
in the second overtime, Harrington was brought down in the
box while trying to head in a cross from junior midfielder
Scott Barnett (Newbury Park, CA/Loyola College). The referee
wasted no time in pointing to the spot and Harrington stepped
up himself to take it. Anteater goalie Cameron Rossi guessed
correctly but could not keep out Harrington’s shot.
An uneventful first half
gave way to end-to-end action in the second half and overtime
periods. Sophomore goalkeeper Charles Alamo (San Luis Obispo,
CA/San Luis Obispo HS) was called into action to make several
spectacular saves to keep UCR level. In the second half, he
blocked two straight headers off of corner kicks from UCI’s
Lorne Howlett as the Anteaters barraged the Highlander goal.
UCI (6-11-0, 2-5-0 Big West) held a 12-3 advantage in corners
but the UCR defense stood firm.
The interjection of freshman
forward Andrew Villalobos (Whittier, CA/La Serna HS) energized
Riverside and his runs down the left almost produced a winner.
In the final minute of regulation, Villalobos cut inside his
defender and unleashed a shot that forced Rossi to make a
save. The Anteaters counter-attacked and Alamo turned away
what could have been the game-winner as time expired.
In overtime, Howlett glanced
a header off the crossbar and junior midfielder Jordan Arias
(Palm Springs, CA/Palm Springs HS) curled a free kick straight
into Rossi’s arms. That set up Harrington’s heroics
at 109:39 as UCR snapped a two-game losing streak and held
on to third place in the Big West standings.
Alamo made six saves for
the Highlanders while Rossi stopped five for the Anteaters.
UCR (7-8-1, 4-3-1 Big West)
has two games remaining on its 2004 schedule. The Highlanders
close out their home slate with a 2:00 p.m. game against Cal
Poly on Tuesday, November 9. UCR will honor its four departing
seniors, Ben Davies, Luc Harrington, Jeff Pusey, and Paul
Salazar in a pre-game ceremony. Riverside’s season finale
is Friday night at Cal State Northridge.
(Nov. 9, 2004) – The
UC Riverside men’s soccer team dropped a
3-2 decision to Cal Poly Tuesday at the UCR Soccer Stadium.
The Highlanders twice fought back from one-goal deficits but
it was not enough as the Mustangs ruined Riverside’s
Senior Day.
Three weeks after combining
for nine goals in a 5-4 UCR win in San Luis Obispo, the two
sides again started as if defense was overrated. The Mustangs
struck first, taking the lead off a corner kick five minutes
in. Ronnie Silva got the final touch off passes from Francisco
Marmolejo and Moses Venegas.
The Highlanders drew level
five minutes later through junior midfielder Scott Barnett
(Newbury Park, CA/Loyola College). Senior forward Luc Harrington
(Diamond Bar, CA/Diamond Bar HS) kept possession on the right
flank, then cut the ball inside to sophomore defender Josh
Valerio (Westminster, CA/Fresno State University). Valerio
took a touch past a defender and passed to Barnett at the
top of the box. Barnett’s right-footed shot found the
top right corner of the net for his eighth goal of the season.
Cal Poly regained the lead
at 18:45 as Matthew Robinson latched on to a long throw-in
by Mike Marchione and sent the ball past sophomore goalkeeper
Charles Alamo (San Luis Obispo, CA/San Luis Obispo HS). After
that, the defenses clamped down and the scoreline remained
2-1 for the rest of the half as Poly outshot UCR 5-4.
UCR started the second half
looking for yet another equalizer and got it in the 59th minute.
Freshman forward Andrew Villalobos (Whittier, CA/La Serna
HS) was brought down in the penalty box, leading to UCR’s
second penalty in as many games. Harrington calmly stepped
up and sent Cal Poly goalie Jeremy Coupe the wrong way for
his school-record ninth goal of the year.
Just as the Highlanders
were back on level terms, Cal Poly took the lead. Venegas
was fouled in the box at the other end, then took the kick
himself to give the Mustangs a 3-2 advantage at 61:58. Although
both sides hit the crossbar later in the game, neither team
was able to find the back of the net the rest of the way.
Alamo stopped three shots for UCR while Coupe made four saves
for Poly.
The game was the final home
contest of the season for the Highlanders, marking an end
to the home careers of their four seniors: Ben Davies (Alta
Loma, CA/Alta Loma HS), Harrington, Jeff Pusey (Alta Loma,
CA/Alta Loma HS), and Paul Salazar (Rancho Cucamonga, CA/Rancho
Cucamonga HS).
Even with the loss, UCR
is assured of its highest Big West Conference finish in school
history. The Highlanders sit in third place with one game
left. Riverside closes out its season on Friday at Cal State
Northridge.
(Nov. 12, 2004) –
The 27th-ranked Cal State Northridge Matadors scored
44 seconds into the second overtime period to ruin UC
Riverside’s upset hopes, 3-2 on Friday in Northridge.
Even with the loss in their season finale, the Highlanders
are assured of their highest-ever placing in the Big West
Conference, finishing the season at 7-10-1 and 4-5-1 in conference
play.
Three weeks ago, the Highlanders
and Matadors played to a 1-1 double-overtime tie. This game
was just as tense as both sides grabbed a lead, only to see
their opponent climb back with an equalizer.
All five of the Highlanders’
first half shots were on target and UCR got on the scoreboard
first, at 7:49. Juniormidfielder Scott Barnett (Newbury Park,
CA/Loyola College) scored his school-record ninth goal of
the year, firing a looping 35-yard shot into the back of the
net. The goal moved Barnett into a tie with senior forward
Luc Harrington (Diamond Bar, CA/Diamond Bar HS) for the most
goals in a single season since UCR jumped to Division I in
2001.
CSUN (10-5-2, 5-2-2 BWC)
struck back in the 24th minute as Derek Hanks headed in a
cross from Gabriel Montoya. The Matadors then took the lead
in the second half, with Ryan Rossi knocking in a shot at
64:15. Jesse Servin and Daniel Paladini were credited with
the assists.
Undeterred, UCR drew level
with fifteen minutes remaining. Harrington sent a cross to
sophomore midfielder Erasmo Solorzano (Riverside, CA/ Riverside
Poly HS), whose shot from 20 yards beat CSUN’s Radames
Lafaurie at the right post. It was Solorzano’s fourth
goal of the year and Harrington’s school-record 22nd
point.
The two teams remained scoreless
for the rest of regulation and the first overtime period.
Northridge managed two shots in the first overtime but neither
troubled the Highlander goal. As the second overtime started,
UCR turned the ball over and Yossi Raz popped up to score
the game-winner at 100:44.
Sophomore goalkeeper Charles
Alamo (San Luis Obispo, CA/San Luis Obispo HS) made seven
saves in a losing effort while Lafaurie stopped five shots.
The loss brings an end
to the Highlanders’ most successful season at the Division
I level and the first year under Head Coach Junior Gonzalez.
UCR set school records this season for most wins, most goals
scored, most assists, and most points. They are assured of
at least a fifth place finish and could wind up as high as
third depending on Cal Poly and UC Irvine’s results
in the final weekend of play.
(Nov. 16, 2004) –
The UC Riverside men’s soccer team secured its highest-ever
Big West Conference placing in 2004, finishing the season
in third place at 7-10-1 and 4-5-1 in conference play. The
Highlanders had previously finished no higher than fifth in
their four years of Division I competition.
UCR also set many school
records this season under first year Head Coach Junior Gonzalez.
The Highlanders tied the single-season record for most wins
and established new marks for goals scored (28), assists (22),
and points (78). The Highlanders also had a program-best three
game winning streak that included the first Division I trophy
in school history as UCR won the Husky Invitational in Seattle,
WA, September 17-19.
In addition, several individual
records fell during the 2004 season. Senior forward Luc Harrington
(Diamond Bar, CA/Diamond Bar HS) broke his previous marks
of eight goals and 20 points by recording nine goals and 22
points this season. Harrington ended his UCR career as the
Highlanders’ all-time Division I leader in goals (23),
assists (11), and points (57).
Junior midfielder Scott
Barnett (Newbury Park, CA/Loyola College) also scored nine
goals to sit atop the single season goals list alongside Harrington.
Barnett also registered two multiple-goal games, marking the
first time since 2001 that a player had scored more than one
goal in a game more than once.
Sophomore goalkeeper Charles
Alamo (San Luis Obispo, CA/San Luis Obispo HS) established
some goalie records as well. Alamo played 1580:23 minutes,
a new program-high. He also broke his own record for goalie
wins with seven and matches played with 17. Finally, he moved
into first place on the career saves list, making 80 saves
(second for a season) to bring his career total to 132.
(Nov. 16, 2004) –
The UCR men’s soccer team placed four players on the
All-Big West Conference teams, it was announced Tuesday. Senior
forward Luc Harrington (Diamond Bar, CA/Diamond Bar HS) and
junior midfielder Jordan Arias (Palm Springs, CA/Palm Springs
HS) were each named to the First Team while junior midfielder
Scott Barnett (Newbury Park, CA/Loyola College) earned a Second
Team place and junior defender John “Tre” Lee
(Fontana, CA/A.B. Miller HS) was an Honorable Mention selection.
Harrington becomes the
first three-time All-Big West selection for the Highlanders,
having earned First Team honors last year and Second Team
honors as a sophomore. UCR’s all-time career leader
in goals (23), assists (11), and points (57), Harrington broke
his own single-season records with nine goals and 22 points
in fifteen games in 2004. He also co-led the team with four
assists. Last year, Harrington was the first Highlander to
earn First Team honors.
Arias was UCR’s third-leading
scorer, netting three goals with two assists for eight points,
tying his career-highs in all three categories. Thriving in
the midfield playmaker role, Arias set a UCR single-game record
with two goals and an assist for five points in the Highlanders’
5-4 win over Cal Poly on October 17. This is Arias’
second all-conference recognition as he was named Honorable
Mention last year.
Barnett tied Harrington
for the new single-season record of nine goals. He was second
behind Harrington with 20 points, also contributing two assists.
Barnett twice scored two goals in a game, becoming the first
Highlander to score multiple goals in a game more than once.
Lee helped anchor the UCR
defense, appearing in 17 games as both central and outside
defender. Although he did not register a point on offense,
Lee distinguished himself with his tremendous leaping ability
to control the defensive aerial game.
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 marks for season 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.
(Dec. 3, 2004) – UC
Riverside senior forward Luc Harrington (Diamond Bar, CA/Diamond
Bar HS) was selected to the National Soccer Coaches Association
of America Division I Men’s All-American Far West Region,
it was announced Friday. It was Harrington’s first selection
to the team and he is the first Highlander to be so honored.
This season, Harrington became the first three-time All-Big
West selection in school history, having earned First Team
honors last year and Second Team honors as a sophomore. Harrington
ended his UCR career as the school’s all-time career
leader in goals (23), assists (11), and points (57). In 2004,
he broke his own single-season records with nine goals and
22 points in fifteen games while tying for the team lead with
four assists.
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 marks for season 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.
Voting for the All-Far West
Team is conducted by the coaches of the 26 regional Division
I schools. Inclusion on the regional team means Harrington
is automatically entered into the running for the All-American
team, to be announced on December 10.
(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.
(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.
(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.
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