Sept. 2, 2016 Final Stats
LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV Women's Soccer suffered its first defeat of the season at the hands of Utah Valley at Clyde Field in Orem, Utah, on Friday night. The Wolverines used two first-half goals and stout defense to deny the Rebels a fifth-straight victory and hold the Rebels to their season-low in goals scored.
Fueled by home field momentum, Utah Valley got on the board early, scoring in the fourth minute on a cross from Sara Callister to Kallie Suesue, who buried it in the net from the middle of the box. The Wolverines added a second goal in the 21st minute after a booming shot by Abby Jameson from the top of the 18-yard box hit the left crossbar and ricocheted into the net.
UNLV wasn't able to find the net until the 76th minute, when junior Chidera Akubuilo played it wide to freshman Paige Almendariz, who perfectly placed a cross in front of the goal for senior Lily Sender to challenge UVU keeper Brooklyn Nielsen and finish. The goal was a little too late, however, as the Wolverine defense tightened and protected the lead.
The Rebels found themselves in unfamiliar territory, trailing in a game for the first time this year. Despite out-shooting Utah Valley 12-10 for the game, the UVU defense and Nielsen's play in goal proved to be too much to overcome. The true freshman keeper finished the game with eight saves on the 12 UNLV shots.
"It really was a tale of two halves," said head coach Chris Shaw. "They came out with a lot of energy and we came out a little flat. I thought we battled and outplayed them in the second half, but any time you get down 2-0 early it's hard to come back from."
Shaw admitted that the pressure of staying unbeaten may have played a role. "The team might have been feeling some pressure to keep that going, but we got the loss out of the way and now we can come out Sunday to try to get back in the win column."
Senior Dakota Blazak led UNLV with three shots on the night, all on goal, while Sender's goal was her third on the season.
The Rebels are back in action on Sunday against Southern Utah at Thunderbird Soccer Field in Cedar City, Utah. Game time is set for 12 p.m. PT.
-UNLV-
