Sept. 3, 2010

LAS VEGAS - The UNLV men's soccer team, under the direction of first-year head coach Rich Ryerson, opens the 2010 season this weekend by hosting the UNLV Nike Invitational. The Rebels will play Valparaiso on Saturday at 1 pm, while the day's first game will see Alabama A&M take on UC Riverside. UNLV will close out the weekend with a contest against Alabama A&M on Monday, also at 1 pm, with all the games to be played at Peter Johann Memorial Field.

Looking to win its season-opener for the third straight, the Rebels return 12 players from a year ago, and most importantly its top three scorers, Leading the way are forwards Nick Marshall and Stephen Sifuentes, who ranked in the top five in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation in points with 19 and 18, respectively.

Valparaiso meanwhile won a team-record 10 games in 2009, and will have in goal the Horizon League Goalkeeper of the Year, Ryan Schwarz. Three more Crusaders that will take the field for Valpo also were all-conference selections.

UNLV will close out the weekend against Alabama A&M in what will be the final season for the sport at the school.