ST. GEORGE, UTAH (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV recorded its third straight shutout and scored once in each half to claim its first road win of the year, 2-0 at Dixie State Wednesday night in WAC men's soccer action. The win moved the Rebels into sole possession of third place in the league standings at 4-2-2 (14 points) thanks to its third straight win, the second-longest win streak in the WAC, while the Trailblazers dropped to 2-6.
REBEL DEFENSE: Sophomore
Miguel Duenas Jr. continued his stellar play in goal, as the Las Vegas native posted five saves while facing nine shots total. That included a stop on a header attempt from five yards out in the 29th minute, as he was able to reach back with his right hand at the last second to stop the ball at the goalline. Duenas Jr. entered the day ranked in the top four in the nation in both GAA and save percentage, and has collected five shutouts in six total career appearances.
WINNING SCORE: Just minutes after Duenas' outstanding goal line stop, the Rebels got on the scoreboard when defender Billy Jones stole a pass deep on the Trailblazers side of the field. He quickly fed a pass to midfielder Jesus Partida, who unleashed a shot from 18 yards out for the score in the 35th minute.
QUOTEABLE: "Great win on the road today in St. George against a very solid first-year D1 team in Dixie State. It was great to have
Jesus Partida back on the scoreboard and first year rebel Matt Ridley, getting his first goal from a corner kick. It marked a great three-win and three-shutout streak for us over the last 10 days. I'm excited to have qualified for the WAC conference tournament, held at our own Peter Johann Memorial Field next month. Now we are playing for a higher seed. Lots to play for ahead! " -
UNLV head coach Rich Ryerson
NOTES
* - Partida's goal was his first for the Rebels since Oct. 21, 2018, as he missed the entire 2019 season due to an ACL injury suffered that preseason.
* - This was the second straight game that Jones has posted an assist.
* - UNLV's second score came in the 86th minute, when freshman
Matthew Ridley headed in a corner kick from
Marco Gonzalez. It was the first career collegiate goal for Ridley, and first assist of the season for Gonzalez.
* - UNLV won despite being outshot 9-6, and 5-3 on shots on goal.
NEXT TIME OUT: UNLV will play a second straight road game when it faces San Jose State Monday, April 5 at 7 pm.
