RIVERSIDE, Calif. — After a defensive battle over the first 45 minutes on Wednesday night, host UC Riverside scored twice in the second half to break a scoreless deadlock and defeat Sacramento State by a 2-0 score at UCR Soccer Stadium.

The loss was the first in Big West Conference play for the Hornets, who fell to 3-7-2 overall and 0-1-2 in league play. Meanwhile, the Highlanders picked up their first win of the season, improving to 1-7-3 overall and 1-1-1 in league play.

Both teams managed six shots through the first half, with UC Riverside putting half its attempts on frame against only one for Sacramento State, but goalkeeper Mac Learned was up to the task, stopping all three shots as the teams headed into the locker room at the break.

The Highlanders, who had managed only four goals all year entering the night, needed only eight minutes to find the back of the net in the second half as Luka Lukic opened the scoring in the 54th minute for the 1-0 lead. Riverside then iced the game on a goal by Noah Lopez with a man advantage in the 88th minute for the final 2-0 score.

Sacramento State managed 10 shots combined on the night, but was able to put only three on frame for the match compared to 11 and seven, respectively, for UC Riverside. The Highlanders also took nine of the 12 corner kicks on the night.

Freshman Zac Giles and senior Austin Wehner finished with two shot attempts apiece to lead the Hornets. Learned, the nation's leader in saves, finished with five stops on the night.

A two-match Southern California swing ends Saturday (Oct. 7) with a contest at CSUN. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.