RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Callan Harrington scored just 58 seconds into the match and Emma Gustad Myklebust converted a late penalty in the 84th minute as LMU defeated UC Riverside 2-1 Thursday night at UC Riverside Soccer Stadium. 

Harrington wasted no time putting the Lions (3-2-1) in front, striking less than a minute into the contest for her team-leading third goal of the year. LMU nearly doubled its lead later in the first half when Taylor Person found the back of the net, but the goal was waved off by an offside flag. The Highlanders (0-7-1) then pulled level in the 43rd minute on an own goal, sending the match into halftime tied at 1-1. 

After regrouping at the break, the Lions raised the pressure and tilted the match in their favor. In the 84th minute, Izzy Smith's sharp footwork and driven cross forced a Riverside handball in the box, setting up Myklebust, who buried the penalty to seal the victory. Smith continued to play a key role down the stretch, showcasing composure in the attacking corner and running down the final minutes with confident dribbling. 

LMU outshot UC Riverside 12-9 and finished with a 5-0 edge in corner kicks. Harrington led all players with four shots, while Grace Thao and Maci Land each added attempts on target. In goal, JJ Hoover made two saves, including one on a dangerous effort in the 67th minute, to steady the Lions. 

The victory highlighted LMU's resiliency on the road, as the Lions overcame a disallowed goal, a late first-half equalizer, and second-half pressure before responding with a composed finish from the penalty spot. 

The Lions will open West Coast Conference play on the road at San Francisco on Wednesday, Sept. 24.