SAN ANTONIO, Texas (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, but a pair of second half goals lifted UIW to a 3-2 victory over the Rebels in the WAC men's soccer season opener for both teams Saturday morning.
The Rebels notched both their goals in a seven-minute span, as junior forward Aedon Kyra scored his first goal as a Rebel in the 14th minute. Another newcomer to the team, forward Louis Hiepen, also notched his first career collegiate score, this in the 21st minute for a 2-0 edge. UIW answered with a score in the 35th minute to close within one however, and added on goals in the 57th and 80th minute to rally fo the victory.
REBEL OF THE GAME: Bailey Letherman played all 90 minutes in the midfield and assisted on both of UNLV's goals on the day.
QUOTEABLE: "I was excited for the way our team started off today, we were very aggressive on offensive and were able to get two early goals. But then we gave up a goal late in the first half and they had momentum coming into the second half. Hopefully will pick up the pieces and get a good week of training in for next week." - UNLV head coach Rich Ryerson
REBEL NOTES
* - Lukas Betz finished with six saves and three goals allowed in 90 minutes of action in the net.
* - The team stats were fairly even, as both teams took 11 shots each, and shots on goal were 10-9 in favor of UNLV. The Rebels did finish with a 9-2 advantage on corner kicks.
* - This was the first multi-assist performance of Letherman's career at UNLV, and doubled his season total of two assists from the 2019 season.
NEXT TIME OUT: UNLV comes back to Las Vegas for its home opener, when it hosts Air Force on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 6 pm at Johann Memorial Field.
