Riverside, Calif. — Devyn Simmons delivered a stunning game-winning goal as UC Davis pulled off a come-from-behind effort to defeat the UC Riverside Highlanders, 2-1. With the win, the Aggies improved to 7-5-2 overall and 3-1-2 in the Big West.
Action presented itself right from the kickoff, as UC Riverside made the most of their home field advantage and scored a goal just seconds into the game.
UC Riverside grabbed an early one-goal advantage when Aaliyah Tu'ua scored her second goal of the season from close range. Tu'ua was assisted by Braelynn Llamoca and Arianna Dominguez, who combined to create a chance for Tu'ua inside the box, catching the Aggies completely off guard.
The early goal did not deter the Aggies from regaining control of the game. A few minutes passed before Kylie Garcia equalized in the 33rd minute, with Sam Tristan setting up the junior from Delhi, California for her first career goal.
The early goal from the Highlanders was the only attack the hosts mounted in the first half, with it being the only shot recorded across the first 45 minutes for UC Riverside.
In comparison, the Aggies showed no signs of letup, adding the equalizing goal from Garcia and pressing forward with seven shot attempts in the first half. This applied pressure to Riverside's backline and erased any sort of flow that the Highlanders had after their early goal.
The game remained tied until the 80th minute when Devyn Simmons scored the winner for UC Davis with an absolute thunderbolt of a shot. Risa Yamada assisted Simmons who made a quick turn inside up towards the middle of the field as she fired away from a crease within the Highlander backline.
Simmons now has three goals on the season and continues to be a spark plug off the bench.
With Simmons delivering the game-winner, it is also worth mentioning that both Aggie goals today came from non-starters: Simmons and Garcia. Both Simmons and Garcia have been vital parts of Aggie success as Tracy Hamm continues to push all of the right buttons for her squad from the sidelines.
UC Riverside tried to find an equalizer in the final minutes but was unable to break through UC Davis's defense as the Aggies completed their comeback win to secure all three points in Riverside.
UP NEXT
The Aggies now have a two-game winning streak and will look to carry this momentum into Sunday's matchup against Big West No. 2, Cal State Fullerton with kickoff at Titan Stadium scheduled for 2:00 p.m. PT.
