Sept. 24, 2008

LAS VEGAS -

UNLV women's soccer notes

Following their 1-1 performance last weekend in the UNLV Rebel Classic, the UNLV women's soccer team look to close out the non-conference schedule on a winning note, as they host Northern Colorado on Thursday night at 7 pm and play a road contest at UC Riverside on Sunday at 6 pm.

UNLV was riding a three-game win streak and a 12-game unbeaten streak at home before its setback to Robert Morris on Sept. 19, but rebounded for a 4-0 win over Niagara in the classic's second game. The Rebels, eighth in this week's NSCAA West rankings, are also receiving top 25 votes from the NSCAA for the second straight week.

UNLV's 7-2-1 start has been mostly thanks to its defense, as the Rebels have allowed just seven goals all year, and just four from starting goalkeeper Alicia Lugo, who's 0.45 GAA ranks 13th in the nation.

Northern Colorado comes in with a 5-5 mark, and are 2-0 against MWC teams, having defeated Air Force 2-1 in overtime and Wyoming 1-0 at home. The Bears struggle away from home however, as they are 0-3 in road games this season. UNC is paced this year by Jessica Zimmerman with four goals and one assist for nine points, while Kirstin Salminen has played 896 minutes in goal and has 1.41 GAA with 33 saves.

UC Riverside meanwhile is 4-4-1 on the year but has not won since Sept. 7 against San Jose State, and lost to MWC member San Diego State 3-1 this past Sunday. The Highlanders are led in 2008 by Heidi Garrett with six goals and two assists for 14 points. Brittany Goetz has posted a 1.12 GAA with 52 saves in goal.