Sept. 1, 2008
Box Score
LAS VEGAS - UNLV scored two first half goals and then held off a late rally to earn a 2-1 victory over Radford in men's collegiate soccer action on Monday afternoon from Peter Johann Memorial Field. The victory, which came in the final game of the UNLV Rebel Classic, gave the Rebels their first 2-0 start to a season since 2002, while the Highlanders dropped to 0-2 on the year. In the day's other game, Western Illinois topped Jacksonville 3-1.
Sophomore forward Daniel Cruz scored his third goal of the season for the Rebels' first score of the day. Defender John Crawley served up a long high pass from the backfield that dropped in just past the Radford defense. Cruz outran the defenders to the ball, and unleashed a blast from the right side to the far left post, giving UNLV a 1-0 lead in the 36th minute.
Exactly three minutes later the Rebels scored again, as Stephen Sifuentes drove down the left side of the field and sent in a cross to the middle of the box. Nicholas Paterson came in unmarked and easily put the ball away for a 2-0 lead in the 39th minute.
UNLV held a 10-3 edge on shots in the first half, but could not add to the lead, with Radford goalkeeper Zach Roszel coming up with four saves in the opening 45 minutes. The game remained at 2-0 until the 72nd minute, when Radford's Justin Zimmer tapped in a long cross from Iyiola Awosika. That would be the final score of the day, as the Rebels tightened on defense and did not allow another shot on goal.
UNLV finished with a 16-7 advantage on shots, and a 9-2 edge on corner kicks. Rebel goalkeeper Hawk Mummey posted three saves in the net, while Roszel made five saves for Radford.
The Rebels will now take to the road for its next two games, as they will play in the Titan Tournament at Cal State Fullerton. UNLV will meet the host Titans on Friday at 5 pm, before facing Cal State Northridge on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 4:30 pm.
