LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) — The Rebels look to continue their undefeated home streak when they host Gonzaga and Cal State Bakersfield at Peter Johann Memorial Field over the next four days.

UNLV (1-3-1) and Gonzaga (2-1-3) meet for the first time since 2017 when they kick off Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The Rebels then host CSU Bakersfield (2-1-2) Sunday at 7 p.m. Gonzaga most recently played to a 1-1 draw against Seattle U. CSUB is on a two-game win streak with a visit to Utah Tech on Thursday standing between it and the Rebels.

UNLV's (1-3-1) series of home matches began with a stalemate against Stetson earlier this week. Despite this unsatisfying score and last week's disappointing away games, UNLV's offensive efficiency has improved significantly this season as they carry a 58 percent shot-on-goal accuracy compared to 39 percent last season. With one of the youngest starting 11 in the nation, this squad is hungry to prove themselves. 

Goal Oriented

Though dispatching one of the nation's youngest starting 11, UNLV has displayed an improved offense. The Rebels have scored five goals in five games, compared to just one in its first five games of 2022. Seven freshmen were on the pitch at the start of UNLV's last game versus Stetson.

Corner Market

UNLV's offensive efficiency has taken a drastic leap forward in year two of BJ Craig's tenure. The 2023 Rebels have a 56 percent shot-on-goal accuracy compared to 39 percent last season. This year's squad has also converted two of its 13 corner kicks into goals after going scoreless on 61 corner opportunities one year ago.

First Timers

Seniors Brophy Howard and Theo Minard, both in their second seasons with UNLV, and freshmen Kai Merrill and Hermann Ragnarsson have scored their first career goals this season.

A Nickel For Nico

Senior transfer Nico Lopez leads the Rebels with five points (one goal, three assists) this season. Lopez entered the year with two career assists after three seasons at Oregon State.

Become a UNLV Soccer Ball Kid

Join the Rebels' game day experience. Register your kids to help at UNLV men's and women's soccer games. The program is open to boys and girls in the third through eighth grades. Sign up here.

New Faces Heighten Hopes

Sixteen newcomers have signed on for BJ Craig's second season at the helm of the UNLV Men's Soccer. The class comes to Las Vegas from around the globe, including nine U.S. states and six additional countries.

Secure Your Seats

Season tickets to UNLV soccer games—$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. 

UNLV to Host WAC Championship Tournament

UNLV will host the WAC Men's Soccer Championship beginning with the quarterfinal round on Sunday, Nov. 5. Semifinals are Wednesday, Nov. 8, with the championship game playing Saturday, Nov. 11.

Free Tailgates

The UNLV Rebel Soccer Foundation will host free tailgates on select dates throughout the UNLV men's and women's soccer seasons. Free food and drinks are available to ticketed attendees starting two hours prior to kickoffs. 

The remaining tailgates for men's soccer are scheduled for the conference opener versus San Jose State (Oct. 5) and the season finale opposite Seattle U (Oct. 29).

Since its formation in 2016, the UNLV Rebels Soccer Foundation has worked to increase overall support for the programs in alignment with the athletics department to continue to assist UNLV Soccer in winning consistently academically and athletically. If you have an interest in joining the Foundation or making a donation, click here.