Aug. 28, 2008
LAS VEGAS -
UNLV Rebel Classic game notes
The UNLV men's soccer team will open the 2008 season on Saturday when it hosts the UNLV Rebel Classic. Jacksonville will be the first opponent of the season on Saturday night at 7 pm, while a Monday afternoon contest follows at 1 pm against the Radford Highlanders.
UNLV has big hopes entering the season, as it returns one of the most explosive offensive attacks in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. Led by first team all-conference forwards Lamar Neagle (senior) and Daniel Cruz (sophomore), the Rebels have their sights set on winning their first-ever MPSF title. An experienced backline is also giving the Rebels more confidence this year, anchored by second team All-MPSF defender Andrew Friel, while senior Hawk Mummey will be a first-year starter in the goal.
Jacksonville will be a tough opening-night opponent for the Rebels, as the Dolphins won the Atlantic Sun regular season title last year, and were 11-7-2 overall. They are picked to finish second in the league this year, and brought in transfer Tony Taylor from South Florida, who was named to the Atlantic Sun's Preseason All-Conference Team.
Radford meanwhile also reached double-digits wins in 2007, at 11-9 overall. The Highlanders will be replacing alot of players from last season however, as its top returning scorer, Big South All-Freshman selection James Leith, posted a total of five points (one goal, three assists).
Following this weekend of action, the Rebels will take to the road, when it will play Cal State Fullerton (Sept. 5) and Cal State Northridge (Sept. 7) in the Cal State Fullerton Tournament.
