April 30, 2002

LAS VEGAS - Less than a month from now, the UNLV women's soccer team will make its first tour of Europe since the program's inception in 1998.

From May 21-31, the Rebels will travel through three countries and make stops in Heidelberg, Germany, Brussels, Belgium and Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Eleven days and 10 nights to not only sightsee, but to train, and to compete against foreign opponents in four exhibition matches.

"This trip is a big step forward for us," said UNLV coach Dan Abdalla, who will enter his third year with the Rebels. "It will have a major impact on us, because this is what top college soccer programs do every four years.

"The Europe trip is a good opportunity for each student-athlete to get to know each other better, have a chance to view historical landmarks and train for the upcoming year. We have an extremely talented group returning in 2002 and the trip will prepare us well as we head into the fall season."

The NCAA allows teams to make an overseas trip every four years. Incoming freshman are not allowed to make the trip, but graduating seniors are permitted to travel and play as a finale to their collegiate career. The Rebels, who finished the 2001 campaign with a 12-7-2 winning record and a second-place finish in the Mountain West Conference Championship, will commence their fifth season on Aug. 21 in a home exhibition match versus Dixie College at Peter Johann Memorial Field.

UNLV WOMEN'S SOCCER EUROPEAN TOUR 2002

Tuesday, May 21         Depart Las Vegas for flight to Frankfurt, GermanyWednesday, May 22   Arrive in Frankfurt, Germany, transfer to Heidelberg, GermanyThursday, May 23    Free time in Heidelberg, GermanyFriday, May 24      Training begins; Tour of Heidelberg, GermanySaturday, May 25    Depart for Braubach and Bad Neuenahr, Germany            Game 1 - UNLV vs. SC 07 Bad Neuenahr (First Division Bundesliga)Sunday, May 26          Arrive in Liege, Belgium; Rhine River CruiseMonday, May 27          Depart for Brussels, Belgium            Game 2 - UNLV vs. RSC AnderlechtTuesday, May 28         Depart for Maastricht, the Netherlands; Full day of sightseeingWednesday, May 29   Depart for Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Visit Anne Frank's House            Game 3 - UNLV vs. TBA at National Sports Centrre of the NetherlandsThursday, May 30    Depart for Aachen, Germany; Tour Roman ruins            Game 4 - UNLV vs. Standard Liege; Farewell DinnerFriday, May 31      Depart Frankfurt, Germany, for flight home to Las Vegas