SANTA CLARA, Calif. (UNLVRebels.com) — No. 22 Santa Clara survived UNLV's offensive onslaught as the teams ended their season opener in a scoreless draw, 0-0.
UNLV, playing its first regular-season game under head coach
BJ Craig, fired nine of its 14 shots in the initial 45 minutes. After three quick volleys from Santa Clara, the Rebels set up camp in the Broncos' half and sent six shots across the goal box in a 10-minute span.
"If you can go on the road and take a point, you'll take it anytime," Craig said. "They're obviously a very good team and their coach [Cameron Rast] does a great job."
For 2022, the NCAA eliminated overtime in regular-season games. Previously, teams played two 10-minute overtime periods in a sudden-victory (golden goal) format, and if neither team scored, the game ended in a tie.
Junior goalkeeper
Andrew Sway captured a clean sheet after 90 minutes in the net in his first collegiate action. Sway was credited with two saves.
It was the Rebels' second straight shutout of a top 25 team. UNLV drew to a stalemate with No. 23 UCLA on the road in a preseason exhibition game last week.
"
Louis Hiepen and Sway led a strong back line. The guys played very maturely. We had six freshmen on the field at one point and the older guys did a great job leading. A true team effort all the way through.
"We're very focused on the process right now and the results are going to come."
UNLV returns to the pitch next Thursday, Sept. 1, at Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles.
