LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) — UNLV men's soccer begins conference play against UT Rio Grande Valley on Thursday, Sept. 27, in Edinburg, Texas.

The Rebels (2-4-2) kick off against the Vaqueros (3-4-0) at the UTRGV Track and Soccer Complex at 4:30 p.m. PT. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+ domestically and internationally on WAC International TV.

UNLV returns to play on a high note after ending a two-year road losing streak Saturday, Sept. 23, at Tulsa. The Rebels defeated the Golden Hurricane 2-1 to halt an 18-game winless streak away from home. UNLV can end another spell with a win in Edinburg, which would be its first against UTRGV on its home field (0-4-0).

UNLV is 3-7 all-time against UTRGV.

Lemos WAC Goalkeeper of the Week

UNLV freshman Hugo Lemos was voted the WAC Goalkeeper of the Week, the conference announced Tuesday. Lemos saved four shots and helped the Rebels successfully defend nine corner kicks as UNLV captured a 2-1 victory at Tulsa on Saturday, Sept. 23. It was UNLV's first road win in more than two seasons, ending an 18-game winless streak away from home. Tulsa's lone goal against the Spaniard was scored on a penalty kick. Lemos ranks second in the Western Athletic Conference with 32 total saves, 5.33 saves per game and a .780 save percentage.

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 50 percent shot-on-goal accuracy compared to 39 percent last season. This year's squad has also converted two of its 19 corner kicks into goals after going scoreless on 61 corner opportunities one year ago.

Five-of-a-Kind

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

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. Nine true freshmen have made at least one start for UNLV this season.

Secure Your Seats

Single-game tickets to UNLV soccer games are $6 per adult when purchased in advance of game day, $10 at the door and free for UNLV students presenting a valid ID and kids in high school or younger. Purchase tickets at UNLVTickets.com or by calling 702-739-3267.

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.