UNLV MEN’S SOCCER HOSTS KANSAS CITY FRIDAY ON BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAY
All fans wearing pink will receive half price admission, UNLV holds Senior Day on Sunday against Houston Baptist
After breaking both a scoreless drought and a losing streak with a 1-0 win in its last outing, UNLV now hopes to turn that victory into the start of a win streak as it hosts its final two home games of the season this weekend. First up is a contest with cross division leader Kansas City (3-1-1) on Friday night at 7 pm, and then playing Houston Baptist on Senior Day on Sunday at 1 pm, both at Peter Johann Field.
Friday’s game is not only part of a double-header with the women’s team, who plays Air Force at 4:30 pm that afternoon, but its also Breast Cancer Awareness Day for both teams, and fans wearing pink can get admission for half price, while anyone with a military ID will also receive a free ticket. Friday is Rebel Kids Club Day and NYS Day as well, with activities for kids (that include bounce houses and face painting) starting at 3 pm and lasting until 8 pm.
Friday will also be the first-ever meeting between UNLV and Kansas City. The Kangaroos bring a three-game win streak into Las Vegas, and have scored two goals in four straight games. Houston Baptist meanwhile is 1-1 all-time against the Rebels, with both teams having won on their home fields the past two years. The Huskies had a six-game win streak earlier this season, but have gone 0-2-1 in the past three games. UNLV is 4-3 this season on its home field.
Both the Kansas City and Houston Baptist will have live stats available on Gametracker, while a live video feed will be available for the Kansas City contest, and shown through the Mountain West Network on UNLVRebels.com.
UNLV vs. Kansas City (Friday, 7 pm)
Live Video – Mountain West Network (UNLVRebels.com)
Live Stats – Gametracker
UNLV vs. Houston Baptist (Sunday, 1 pm)
Live Video – None
Live Stats – Gametracker
UNLV Weekly Release
All About The Rebels
The top returning player for the Rebels this year is junior Las Vegas native Salvador Bernal, the top returning scorer from any team in the conference, and an all-region pick in 2012. Sophomore midfielder Rodrigo Fuentes is currently third in the WAC in points while senior forward Joaquin Rivas is tied for seventh, and Bernal is tied for second in assists with four. In goal is junior Ryan Harding, who is seeing action for the first time since 2011 after undergoing successful chemotherapy treatments, and he currently leads the league in GAA at 1.21.
Scouting Kansas City
The Kangaroos can thank their recent success on offense for the current win streak. After scoring only one goal or less in the first nine games of the year, Kansas City has now scored two goals in four straight games, starting with a 2-2 tie at Air Force and the followed by three straight wins (two over Grand Canyon and another over Air Force).
Jordan Rideout is the team’s top scorer this season, with six goals for 12 points, while Tato Chiaparro is close behind with 11 points (four goals, three assists). In goal for the majority of the minutes is Chris McGaughey, who has a 1.46 GAA and two shutouts this season.
Scouting Houston Baptist
The Huskies looked to be the early favorites in the East Division after jumping out to a 7-2-0 record, which also included a 2-0 start in league play. However, the team then suffered to straight losses, including a 3-0 loss at home to Grand Canyon, and in its last game finished with a 1-1 overtime tie, also at home, to Air Force.
Of Houston Baptist’s 20 goals this year, nine have been scored by Tobenna Uzo, for 18 total points. The next highest scorer is Kyle Herbison, with seven points (two goals, three assists). George Kelley has split time in goal with Kevin Suarez, but is the expected starter for Sunday’s game. He owns a 1.76 GAA with 18 saves this season.
Next Time Out
The Rebels finish the regular season with three straight on the road, beginning with a weekend trip to Air Force on Nov. 1 at 4 pm (PT) and at Grand Canyon on Nov. 3 at 3 pm (PT).