TULSA (UNLVRebels.com) — Mother Nature counted an assist as UNLV shook the monkey off its back Saturday afternoon at the Hurricane Soccer Stadium.

UNLV (2-4-2) knocked off Tulsa (3-3-2) 2-1 for its first road win in more than two years. The game was called in the 71st minute due to thunderstorms battering the region.

UNLV senior Nico Lopez scored in the 31st minute to provide an early advantage. But Tulsa drew a penalty five minutes later and equalized the score with Sergio Baena's successful try.

UNLV freshman Tyler Ware capitalized on a defensive error in the 49th minute when he intercepted the clearing outlet from the TU goalkeeper and punted it back through the net. It was Ware's first collegiate goal. 

"We played very well and disciplined," BJ Craig, UNLV's second-year head coach said. "It was a professional performance and a great team win."

The Rebels sunk in on defense for the next 20 minutes as the skies darkened and the officials cleared the fields.

Originally scheduled for a 7 p.m. local start, the kickoff was bumped two hours earlier due to the forecasted storms.

The victory was UNLV's first away from home since winning 3-1 at Sacramento State on Sept. 10, 2021. The Rebels were 0-13-5 on road and neutral fields since.

Tulsa, who garnered a top-25 ranking in the preseason, saw its unbeaten streak end at four games.

UNLV now begins conference play against Western Athletic Conference foe UT Rio Grande Valley on Thursday, Sept. 28. Kickoff from Edinburg, Texas, is 4:30 p.m. PT.