LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) — UNLV (1-1-0) rallied for a 2-1 victory over Santa Clara (0-2-0) Thursday night at Peter Johann Memorial Field. 

A 30-minute weather delay didn't soak a campus-wide celebration as the match kicked off just after the conclusion of UNLV Premier, the annual student celebration. The fireworks saluting the start of a new academic year then moved from the sky onto the pitch.

Senior defender Theo Minard headed in the game-winner off a free kick in the 67th minute. The Rebels capitalized on the chance after sophomore midfielder Jonah Craig drew a yellow card foul. Minard snuck past Joshua Dabora to claim possession of the left post off Nico Lopez's free kick. The effort carried the Rebels to their first victory of the season.

Santa Clara lit the scoreboard first in the 27th minute. Dabora muscled through the back line on a free kick to head in a punt from Yoni Aldeberg. 

The Rebels knotted the score 10 minutes later. UNLV moved quickly into the attacking left wing. Freshman found freshman as Ethan Gonzalez centered to Tyler Ware who then slipped a pass ahead of two defenders to leave Brophy Howard with a one-on-one chance against Santa Clara goalkeeper Felix Schaefer.

UNLV's precision attack was the difference. The Rebels trailed in total shots 8 to 11 but put four on target compared to two from the Broncos.

UNLV returns home Sunday, Sept. 10, for a 7:30 p.m. matchup with Stetson. The Rebels will play on the road at UC Santa Barbara on Sept. 4 and CSUN on Sept. 7 before returning to Las Vegas.