RIVERSIDE, Calif. --- UC Irvine men's soccer suffered a crushing blow Wednesday night at UCR Soccer Stadium falling 2-1 to UC Riverside to deal a serious blow to its postseason hopes.

The match started off in the 'Eaters' favor as Mario Ortiz and Victor Falck linked up to feed Giovanni Godoy who buried a missile from outside the box to put UCI (7-8-3, 2-5-2) up, 1-0, in just the fifth minute.

The advantage didn't last too long as UC Riverside (3-12-1, 3-5-1) struck back in the 11th minute. Olli Pirinen dropped a cross from the corner finding a leaping Eduardo Sanchez in the box whose header would level the match at 1-1.

The Highlanders were able to make the next move just before the half. Keeper Vincent Morales punted a monster kick to hit Antonio Lokossou on the run, and he finished his run and rifled a shot in for the go-ahead tally in the 41st minute.

UCR took the one-goal advantage into the half and through to the second half while worked to find an equalizer. The 'Eaters fired shot after shot outshooting UCR in each half, and Mario Ortiz led the charge with six, but nothing else fell for the 'Eaters dropping the match, 2-1.

The loss is a big blow to UCI's Big West Tournament hopes as it now sits outside looking in with one match remaining. UCR jumps into the third spot a full two points ahead of UC Irvine ahead of the final day of the regular season Saturday, October 28 where UCI will head to Cal State Fullerton and the Highlanders will welcome CSUN into their home with both matches commencing at 7:00 p.m.

The goal on the evening for Godoy ups his conference-leading total to 12 along with points 25 and 26. Ortiz matches teammate Daniel Crisostomo atop the team and conference assist leaders with nine each now. Falck's assist is his second on the season.

Alex Waldron finished with four saves while his counterpart, Vincent Morales, gloved five along with adding an assist.