LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) — UNLV scored two goals within a 14-minute span to tie Grand Canyon, 2-2, Sunday night at Peter Johann Memorial Field.

UNLV (1-4-5 overall, 0-1-1 WAC) matched GCU (3-5-2, 0-1-1) with two second-half penalty kicks by Nico Clasen and Gabe Sanchez. 

The draw ended the Rebels' two-game skid against the Lopes.

"I thought we rebounded really well," UNLV Head Coach BJ Craig said. "Our guys work hard for each other. They're a team who can beat anyone right now.

"I think if we keep our focus on the process—getting better every day—then we're going to be in a great spot at the end of league play."

The Rebels' resilience was tested after GCU grabbed the upper hand early. Alec LaBarge crossed to a sneaking Juan Contreras on the left wing. Contreras shot found the upper left of the net and provided the Lopes a 1-0 lead seven minutes into the game.

UNLV held off GCU for the remainder of the first half. But the Lopes went up 2-0 following a UNLV miscue in the 59th minute. Shaun Joash scored a one-on-one chance fashioned after a GCU defender headed UNLV's clear out directly back toward goal. 

Two minutes later, Skyler Goo drew a foul in the penalty area, allowing Clasen to set up a penalty kick goal for a second straight game. The Rebels' captain improved to 3-for-3 on penalty kicks this season.

Clasen's corner kick in the 73rd minute deflected into a handball, giving Sanchez the opportunity to equalize the score.

UNLV and GCU are tied for sixth in the WAC standings after the first weekend of conference play.

"It doesn't matter who you play in this league, these are hard games. To win our league, you've got to win on Sundays. That's a big key."

UNLV takes a Texas two-step this weekend as it visits Houston Christian on Friday, Oct. 7, before playing UTRGV on Sunday, Oct. 9.