Oct. 1, 2011

Box Score

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV took an early lead over No. 9 New Mexico, but the Lobos scored twice in a three-minute span to rally for a 2-1 victory in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation opener for both teams in men's college soccer action on Saturday night at Peter Johann Memorial Field.

UNLV (1-7) played one of its best halfs of the season to start out the contest, and scored the night's first goal when freshman Salvador Bernal took a pass from Julian Portugal and blasted a shot to the top left corner of the goal for a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute. That lead held up for the rest of the half, with UNLV taking four shots in the opening stanza while holding UNM (7-0-2) to just three.

The Lobos would tie the score in the 55th minute when Kyle Venter outleaped UNLV goalie Ryan Harding to a ball in the air, heading it past Harding to the back of the goal to make it a 1-1 game. UNM then took the lead in the 58th minute thanks to a shot from Carson Baldinger that ricocheted off both goalposts before crossing over the goalline. Giovanni Rollie was credited with the assist.

New Mexico outshot UNLV 9-5 in the second half, giving the Lobos a 12-9 edge for the night. UNM also held a 4-3 edge on corner kicks. Harding finished with four saves in goal for UNLV, while Victor Rodriguez made one for the Lobos.

UNLV will return to action on Friday, Oct. 7, in a road contest at Colorado Springs, Colo., against Air Force at 6 pm (PT).