SAN DIEGO (UNLVRebels.com) – The UNLV women's soccer team (4-9-3, 2-3-3) earned a 1-0 victory over first-place San Diego State (7-4-5, 5-2-1) in their regular-season road finale Sunday afternoon at the SDSU Sports Deck. With the win, the Rebels grab three points to move into eighth place in the Mountain West standings, just two slots behind the required sixth-place spot for a MW Tournament berth.
The Rebels broke an early scoreless tie in the 24th minute when freshman
Savannah Nichols tapped in the ball from in front of the goal after seniors
Kaitlyn Kowalchuk and
Taylie Liddell headed it her way off a corner kick. A native of Cedar Hills, Utah, Nichols' goal marked both her first career score and game-winner.
On the defensive side of the field, UNLV clamped down on the Aztecs to keep them out of the net on their 13 shot attempts. Sophomore goalkeeper
Riley Liebsack made five saves in the contest to anchor the Scarlet & Gray defense that came up with its fourth shutout of the season.
After the Rebels grabbed the early lead, SDSU's attack kept up the pressure down to the final possession with a last-chance opportunity on a free kick from outside the 18 with 13 seconds left in the match. San Diego State's Trinity Coker sailed the ball into the box for a header by Rachelle Elve in front of the left post, but Liebsack dove to make her final stop and secure the win.
STAT OF THE GAME: In spite of trailing 13-7 in shots for the contest, the Rebels controlled the tempo en route to winning the overall possession battle, holding the ball for 51 percent of the match.
QUOTABLE: "With their effort, each individual in a Rebel jersey today represented Las Vegas and our program to the maximum level. We as coaches are so proud of them and the way they battled to come away with a hard-fought win against a good San Diego State team." - UNLV Head Coach
Jenny Ruiz-Williams
UP NEXT: UNLV will return to Peter Johann Memorial for a three-game homestand to close the regular season, starting Thursday with a match vs. Colorado College at 7 p.m. PT.
2022 TICKETS: Season tickets to UNLV women's soccer games, which are $25 for seniors, faculty, staff and alumni and $35 for the general public, can be purchased at UNLVTickets.com or by calling 702-739-3267. Single-game tickets are $6 per adult when purchased in advance of game day, $10 at the door and free for kids in high school or younger.
News & Notes:
- This was UNLV's first win on the road against San Diego State since the 2017 season when it also secured a 1-0 win on Aztec soil.
