Aug. 30, 2002

New Mexico 2, Northern Illinois 1

Box Score

LAS VEGAS - A costly penalty kick in the 47th minute changed the momentum of the game as the UNLV men's soccer team pulled out a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Marshall in the 2002 season opener Friday night at Peter Johann Memorial Field.

In a first time meeting between both schools, the Thundering Herd would jump out to an early 2-0 lead on a pair of goals by midfielder Dave Spaulding (9:05) and Byron Carmichael (30:15). The Rebels made several attempts to match their opponents before halftime, but could not find the back of the net.

Minutes into the second half, senior Kelly Frederick (St. John's, Antigua) was fouled inside of the box and awarded a penalty kick opportunity. Frederick, who tied as the team's second leading scorer in 2001 with 16 points, successfully netted the PK at 46:28.

Still needing to even the score, the Rebels found their answer in the 67th minute as junior midfielder Alex Hernandez (Indio, Calif.) found a through ball cross in the middle from Frederick to level the game at two apiece. Hernandez later nailed the unassisted game-winning goal in the 83rd minute off a dead ball free kick from 30-yards out.

Senior tri-captain Justin Dennis (Scottsdale, Ariz.) had two saves in goal, while Marshall's Matt Salmon had seven stops. Nine yellow cards were accessed in the game and 38 fouls committed.

UNLV (1-0) continues tournament play on Sunday, Sept. 1 hosting Northern Illinois (0-1) at noon. MPSF rival New Mexico (1-0) will then take on Marshall (0-1) at 2 p.m. All games played at Peter Johann Memorial Field.