LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – The UNLV men's soccer team took flight in the second half with a pair of goals en route to a 2-0 victory over San Jose State in their WAC home opener Thursday night at Peter Johann Memorial Field.
Senior captain
Louis Hiepen and freshman
Tyler Ware sparked the Rebels' (3-5-2, 1-1-0) attack with one goal and one assist apiece as they handed the Spartans (4-4-4, 1-1-1) their first conference loss of the season.
In a return to the lineup for his season debut, Hiepen provided liftoff for the high-flying start to the second half with the go-ahead score in the 49th minute to break a scoreless tie. The Mönchengladbach, Germany native finished a volley inside the box on the assist from Ware and freshman
Mikah Madrid.
Just over three minutes later, Hiepen launched a rocket of a pass from midfield into the box that his senior counterpart
Nico Lopez tapped to Ware for the insurance goal in the 52nd minute. The helper gave Hiepen the first three-point match of his career, while Ware's finish also completed his own first three-point game.
Freshman goalkeeper
Hugo Lemos anchored a stout Scarlet & Gray backline, making three saves for both his first career clean sheet and the squad's first team shutout this season. Additionally, it was his second win of the year.
QUOTABLE: "I thought the team came out and played great. They played together and it was what you'd want in a performance from start to finish. They managed the game very well and we got goals at the right time, which helped us build momentum, so I'm just really proud of these guys. They've been fighting all season and deserved this win tonight." - UNLV Head Coach
BJ Craig
UP NEXT: The Rebels continue their weekend with a visit to Air Force for Sunday's match at 2 p.m. PT.
REBEL NOTES:
- The win marks UNLV's first victory in WAC play since the 2021 season when the Rebels beat UTRGV, 2-1, on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021.
