Espinoza leads Rebels with his on field production and enthusiasm

Sage Sammons, UNLV Athletics Media Relations

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - Perseverance is a word that the men's soccer program has learned to live by this season. Despite the rocky start, junior midfielder Jonny Espinoza knows that the Rebels have the talent to persevere and get back on the positive side of the win column.

"Individually it has been an all right year," said Espinoza. "I have just been trying to push myself and get everything I can out of myself and out of the team. It's been a rough start, but we get to start over in conference and rewrite it all. I think we will be ok because we have a lot of talent."

Having that natural ability raises the expectation level that Espinoza's coaches have for him.

"We have high expectations for Jonny as a player because he is someone who can get points for us," said head coach Rich Ryerson. "He is our leading scorer right now and hopefully going into conference play that will continue. He was an all-conference player last year, so hopefully he can get that accolade again."

The Rebels return to Las Vegas this week to face New Mexico and are looking to get back on track after having lost four of their last five matches. One bright spot though is that in their six losses this season, four were by a single goal.

"It's frustrating to lose close matches," said Ryerson. "Because you want to come out with wins, you don't want to come out with losses. I think the morale is still positive. The guys still have belief that they can win and fortunately we have a clean slate starting on Saturday against the No. 9 team in the country."

To start the MPSF play on a good note, the Rebels will have to match Espinoza's enthusiasm.

"Jonny has high expectations of his teammates and he holds them very accountable, which is a great attribute," said Ryerson. "When Jonny plays to his ability, he can lift players just by the way he is playing. The guys know they want to make sure he is getting the ball because they understand that he is a pivotal part of the attack and will make something happen offensively."

Espinoza's goals for the rest of the season revolve around his strong work ethic, not only for his personal goals but for the team as well.

"I want to make sure I'm pushing it every day in practice," said Espinoza. "I'm more of a laid back player so I'm just trying to change up my aspects of my game and trying to add different elements to my game.

"For our team, the goal is just to make sure we are giving 100 percent. So we need to make sure everyone is working hard and having fun too, soccer is a game of fun and I like to have fun with it too."

Away from the pitch, Espinoza reflects his roots that define him by growing up in San Diego.

"Jonny is a typical San Diego guy," said Ryerson. "He enjoys his time away from the field and gets away completely which is good. But when he is on the field he gives us all that he can."

Espinoza may like to relax away from the game, but he understands and is committed to his responsibilities of being a student athlete.

"I'm pretty laid back, and I just like to kick it," said Espinoza. "I have school and there is a lot that goes with athletics. I just try to do as many cool things in my free time as I can, but soccer is what it is all about."

UNLV and New Mexico will square off at 7 pm on Saturday at Peter Johann Memorial Field.