LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) — UNLV fell 3-2 to UT Rio Grande Valley Thursday night in Edinburg, Texas.

Two penalty kick goals put the Rebels (2-5-2 overall, 0-1 WAC) behind quickly as the Vaqueros (4-4, 1-0) had a 2-0 advantage by the 17th minute.

UNLV freshman Kai Merrill booted a screamer from 19 yards out to halve the deficit in the 33rd minute.

Hugo Lemos saved a breakaway shot but the deflection was cleaned up by Juan Pablo Gonzalez for a goal four minutes shy of halftime. UTRGV led 3-1 at the intermission.

Down but not out, the Rebels padded the front line and snuck a goal through in the 63rd minute. Michael Vogel spied Lucas Gelebart's crossed from the left side and angled his right foot for a deflection that traced behind UTRGV goalie Alexis Gonzales. 

Gonzales was pulled in favor of Garret Wild but none of the Rebels' final three shots hit their target.

UNLV returns to Las Vegas to host San Jose State on Thursday, Sept. 5. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Peter Johann Memorial Stadium. The UNLV Rebel Soccer Foundation will host a free pregame tailgate for fans with admission to Thursday's game. Gates open at 5 p.m.