RIVERSIDE, Calif.  - Sacramento State men's soccer concluded its trip through Southern California on Saturday, falling to the UC Riverside Highlanders, 2-0.

The loss was Sacramento STate's first conference loss of the year, as the Hornets drop to 1-1-2 in Big West play and 3-7-3 overall. UC Riverside is now 2-2-0 in league action and 7-5 overall. 

Sacramento State struggled to generate much offense in the first half, attempting just one shot in the first 45 minutes. UC Riverside, meanwhile, got off seven shots in the first half, one of which found the back of the net in the 32nd minute. 

Trailing 1-0 at the half, Sacramento State came out with a renewed offensive energy in the second half, outshooting the Highlanders, 9-7 in the second 45. Despite the advantage in shots, it was UC Riverside who netted the next goal, an 80th minute score to go ahead, 2-0, over Sacramento State. 

Just moments before UC Riverside delivered the dagger, Sacramento State was forced to play a man down after Alex Petty was shown a red card in the 76th minute. It was the second time this season that the Hornets found themselves playing a man short.

That's how the match would end, with the Highlanders handing the Hornets their first Big West conference loss of the year.

In total, Sacramento State attempted 10 shots compared to UC Riverside's 14. While the overall shot totals were close, the Hornets failed to place a single shot on goal on Saturday while the Highlanders put five of their 14 shots on frame. 

Francisco Magana attempted a team-high three of those shots. Both Oscar Govea and Titus Washington each took two. 

The two teams were even in corner kicks, each attempting four in the match, and were nearly even in fouls, with the Hornets receiving 15 to the HIghlanders 13. 

As mentioned, the loss was Sacramento State's first against a Big West opponent this season. The Hornets, who are now 1-1-2 in conference action, find themselves eighth in the league standings, despite just one loss, with five points. 

The Hornets will return to Sacramento for their next matchup, a Wednesday afternoon contest against the visiting CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners. Wednesday's match is set for a 3 p.m. kick and will stream live online on ESPN+ with live stats on HornetStats.com. As always, all links can be found by visiting the Sacramento State men's soccer schedule online at HornetSports.com.