Sept. 12, 2014 Box Score
LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV senior forward
Salvador Bernal, the second-leading scorer in the nation, scored the lone goal of the game in the 23rd minute to give the Rebels a 1-0 upset victory over No. 14 UMBC in men's college soccer action on Friday night at Peter Johann Memorial Field. With the victory, which came in the UNLV Nike Invitational, the Rebels improved to 5-0 on the year, continuing their best start since 1985. The Retrievers meanwhile saw their 14-game unbeaten streak snapped, dropping to 3-1-1 on the year.
UNLV is now one of 10 teams left in the nation with a perfect record this season. This was the first victory over a ranked team since Sept. 2, 2009, a 2-1 double-overtime victory at Cal Poly. At No. 14, UMBC is the highest ranked victory for the Rebels in 14 years, since a 6-1 win over No. 5 Connecticut on Sept. 23, 2001.
"Tonight showed the maturity and strength of our team to earn a shutout against a top-15 team," said UNLV head coach Rich Ryerson. "To win with our defense against a team like UMBC shows that we are climbing to a new level. In the past we conceded goals, tonight we kept the lead thanks to great team defense."
A tight contested match the entire night, the Rebels were the more aggressive team early, taking a total of five shots in the first half including three on goal. The winning score was created following a foul against UMBC 40 yards away from the goal. Julian Portugal took the free kick and sent the ball into the box where Bernal redirected it to the right side of the goal, making the score 1-0 in favor of the home team. It was the sixth goal of the season for the Las Vegas native.
"Usually Julian will go the second post on free kicks but I had a feeling I should stay where I was," said Bernal of his winning score. "When it came my way I knew the goalie was playing behind me so I just sent the ball to the other post. It's a great feeling getting the win tonight over a ranked team."
Known for having a high scoring offense, the Rebels showed they can win with their defensive play as well, holding the Retrievers without a shot on goal in the opening half. UMBC would go the first 80 minutes with just one shot on goal, before making a late charge in an attempt to find a tying score. The Rebels stayed tough on defense, and senior goalkeeper Ryan Harding collected three second-half saves to earn his third consecutive shutout.
Both teams finished with eight shots each, and three shots on goal. Phil Breno would record two saves in goal for UMBC. The Rebels held a 4-3 edge on corner kicks.
"Ryan and Kyle (Mellies) had an great game tonight," said Ryerson. "While Sal and Julian teamed up for an outstanding goal. I'm very proud of the team tonight, now we have to keep up the intensity on Sunday against Detroit."
The Rebels will close out the weekend by playing Detroit for the tournament title on Sunday at 1 pm at Johann Field.
