UC Riverside Men's Soccer Defeats Gonzaga 2-1
The Highlanders secured a narrow victory behind key plays from team captain Tarek Hamideh.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Soccer
Live Poll
Do you believe it is possible to excel in both academics and competitive collegiate sports simultaneously?
The University of California, Riverside men's soccer team claimed a 2-1 victory over Gonzaga University. Team captain Tarek Hamideh played a pivotal role in the win by contributing both an assist and a goal.
Why it matters
This win helps the Highlanders maintain momentum as they compete for a spot in the inaugural four-team Pac-12 Championship Tournament. Solid performances from veteran leaders like Hamideh remain critical for the team's postseason aspirations.
Tarek Hamideh recorded an assist in the 15th minute and a goal in the 29th minute to secure the 2-1 victory. He currently serves as one of 3 team captains alongside Jackson D'Alessandro and Andrew Hermosillo.
The players
Tarek Hamideh
He is a UCR men's soccer team captain who was recently named UC Riverside Athletics Athlete of the Week.
Jackson D'Alessandro
He serves as a team captain for the University of California, Riverside men's soccer squad.
Andrew Hermosillo
He is a team captain for the University of California, Riverside men's soccer program.
The details
Hamideh executed team tactics to set up the early assist before finding the back of the net himself to build the team's lead. The victory marks a significant achievement for the program as it navigates the remainder of its schedule.
Timeline
October 17, 2026: The UCR Highlanders defeated Gonzaga University 2-1.
Season Trajectory
This victory keeps the Highlanders in contention for a place in the inaugural four-team Pac-12 Championship Tournament. Securing wins against programs like Gonzaga is vital for improving the team's standing as the regular season concludes.
The 2-1 win provides the Highlanders with crucial points needed to qualify for the Pac-12 Championship Tournament. With Hamideh contributing to both goals, his current form indicates he will remain a central figure in the rotation for upcoming high-stakes matchups.
The takeaway
The team's ability to rely on experienced leadership has been a defining characteristic of their success this season. Fans can look for the captains to continue managing late-game tactics as the program aims for its postseason goal.
Further reading
For more on the current standing of the team, visit the Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Highlander Newspaper.
Live Poll
Do you believe it is possible to excel in both academics and competitive collegiate sports simultaneously?
