LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV showed great improvement on the defensive side from its season opener a week ago, but came up short in finding a potential game-winning score as the Rebels and the Air Force Falcons played to a 0-0 double-overtime tie Saturday night in WAC men's soccer action from Johann Memorial Field.
The Rebels dropped to 0-1-1 with the draw, but did come away with their first shutout of the season, just won week after allowing three consecutive goals in a 3-2 road loss at UIW to open the year. The shutout came against a Falcon (1-0-1) team that had scored four goals in their opening week victory over Dixie State.
UNLV did have its chances on offense, as the Rebels held a commanding 20-11 advantage on total shots, and an 11-5 edge on shots on goal. Falcon goalkeeper Kainoa Likewise came up strong for the visitors however, collecting 11 saves to earn the clean sheet for Air Force. For the Rebels in goal was sophomore Miguel Duenas Jr., a Las Vegas native, who in his first career collegiate appearance posted five saves to earn a shutout.
QUOTEABLE: "Tonight the players showed great character and battled through a double overtime draw against a very talented Air Force team. I was impressed with the intensity and effort the guys played with tonight, a much improved level of focus and confidence from our trip to San Antonio last week. We definitely have established a base to build upon. " - UNLV head coach Rich Ryerson
NEXT TIME OUT: UNLV is back on the road with a trip to the preseason conference favorites Seattle Redhawks in a Saturday, Feb. 27 contest. The game will kick off at 4 pm.
