LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV goalkeeper Miguel Duenas Jr. was named Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week by the conference Monday following his shutout performance for the Rebels, following their home opening draw to Air Force Feb. 20.  

Saturday marked Duenas' first-ever collegiate game. A Las Vegas native and graduate of Canyon Springs High School, he played all 110 minutes for UNLV and came up with five saves to earn his first career shutout as the game ended in a double-overtime 0-0 tie.

It was an impressive improvement on defense for the Rebels, as after allowing three goals in the opening game of the season, Duenas oversaw the defensive effort that blanked the Falcons just one game after they had scored four goals in a win over Dixie State.

The 0-0 draw puts the Rebels at 0-1-1 on the young season and gives them their first point in the standings this year. UNLV is just three points out of first place with eight games remaining on the season.

This is the first WAC weekly honor for UNLV this season and the first since Timo Mehlich was named Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 16,  2019.

NEXT TIME OUT: UNLV will be in action this weekend, as it travels to play the Seattle Redhawks Saturday, Feb. 27 at 4 pm.