Nov. 13, 2003

Sixth-seeded Air Force scored the last three goals of the game to upset third-seed UNLV 3-1 on Thursday afternoon in the first round of the 2003 MPSF Men's Soccer Tournament in Sacramento, Calif. The Rebels, who will not advance to the semifinals of the tournament for the first time in its three-year history, finish the season at 6-12, while Air Force, who will take on second-seed New Mexico on Friday, improved to 10-9-1.

UNLV had posted a 2-0 victory at Air Force the last time the two teams met on Nov. 2, but it was a different story this time around as the Falcons outshot the Rebels 13-4 in the first half, and 23-15 for the game. The Rebels struck first, as Co-Conference Player of the Year Alex Hernandez scored his 12th goal of the year on an assist from Brendon Bain just over six minutes into the game for a quick 1-0 lead. However, the other Co-Conference Player of the Year, Air Force's Marcus Sagastumn, answered right back with a goal in the 20th minute to tie the score at 1-1. The Falcons then added another score in the 26th minute from Dan Bolin on an assist from Sagastumn for a 2-1 advantage.

Danial Wasson scored the final goal of the game, an unassisted strike just 3:09 into the second half for a 3-1 Air Force lead. The Rebels would not find an answering score, and after Rod Dyachenko received a red card in the 54th minute, UNLV was forced to play the final 36 minutes down a man.

Peter Clitheroe finished with 10 saves in goal for UNLV, while the Falcons' Brian Dougal also collected 10 saves. With his goal tonight, Hernandez finished his four years at UNLV with 35 career goals, moving him into sole possession of sixth place all-time in school history. He also finishes with 87 career points, the fifth-best mark ever at UNLV.