UNLV MEN’S SOCCER LOOKS FOR SECOND ROAD WIN OF SEASON SATURDAY AT GONZAGA
Rebels own nation’s longest shutout streak
The No. 23 UNLV men’s soccer team returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 20, with a road contest at Gonzaga in Spokane, Wash., starting at 1 pm. The Rebels currently hold a 5-0-1 mark, giving them the third best record in the nation (as of games played through Sept. 16). Their 5-0 start was the best since winning 10 straight to open the 1985 campaign. They are facing a Bulldog squad that is winless this year (0-5), but against a tough schedule that has included games with No. 4 Washington and No. 18 California.
UNLV at Gonzaga (Saturday, 1 pm)
Live Video – thew.tv/live
Live Stats – gozags.com
All About The Rebels
UNLV comes into the weekend with its first national ranking since 1992, as both Soccer America and TopDrawerSoccer.com have the Rebels at No. 23 in this week’s Top-25 polls. The Rebels will now put that ranking on the line as they look for their second road win of the season, going to the Northwest to face Gonzaga on Saturday at 1 pm.
UNLV brings in a high powered offense, led by senior forward Salvador Bernal, who leads the conference and is third in the nation with six goals. In goal for the Rebels is Ryan Harding, the preseason WAC Defensive Player of the Year, while senior defender Kyle Mellies has been a key factor in the Rebels’ current shutout streak of four games and 419:57 minutes, the longest active streak in the nation.
Scouting Gonzaga
The Bulldogs have struggled this season after graduating five starters from last year’s squad, including the West Coast Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. That inexperience has shown as the team has scored just one goal through its first five games, a goal by Graison Le in a 2-1 loss at Milwaukee.
Gonzaga has given up 11 goals in its five losses, but allowed just one in its 1-0 loss at No. 18 California. In goal for the Bulldogs is first year starter Chris Lowrimore, who holds a 2.20 GAA and has 27 saves this season.
Next Time Out
The Rebels return home for their final non-conference action of the season. The UNLV Rebel Classic, on Friday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 28, will see a potential matchup of top-25 teams as the Rebels will host UC Irvine at 7 pm on the first day of the tournament. UNLV will then close out with a Sept. 28 game at 1 pm against UC Riverside.