September 5, 1998

The Rebels were victorious tonight in their 1998 season opener at Peter Johann Memorial Field, defeating Sacramento State 3-1. The win marked the first in a season opener since the 1996 season when the Rebels defeated Old Dominion, 3-1.

The Rebels took a 1-0 lead into halftime on the strength of a goal from senior sweeper, Michael Griego. Griego got the assist from Tony Tapia 20-yards out and lobed the ball over the head of Hornet keeper, Ryan Duncan.

UNLV extended its lead in the sixth minute of the second half on a goal by Todd Roberts. The play started on a corner kick by Kiko Medina that found Griego, who then flicked the ball to Roberts for the score. The Rebels made it a 3-0 lead less than six minutes later, as Tyler Turchi scored his first collegiate goal at the 62:02 mark. Turchi received the ball in the six-yard box from Medina. The Hornets got on the board in the 86th minute when Fabiano Rivero scored on an assist from Matt Scamacca. That was all the scoring as the game ended with the 3-1 final.

The nightcap in the first round of the Coors Light Soccer Classic pitted St. Mary's against TCU with St. Mary's taking the game 2-0 on goals by Alex Avina and Jon Gordon.

The ninth annual Coors Light Soccer Classic continues on Sunday as the Rebels take on St. Mary's at 12:00pm and Sacramento State faces TCU at 2:00pm.

Scoring Summary            1   2   OT  OT  FSacramento St.  0   1           1UNLV            1   2           3       UNLV -- Griego (Tapia);  41:00UNLV - Roberts (Medina, Roberts); 50:37UNLV - Turchi (Medina); 62:02CSUS - Rivero (Henley);85:30