SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (UNLVRebels.com) — UNLV (1-2-0) lost 2-1 to UC Santa Barbara at Harder Stadium Monday night.
The Gauchos strafed the Rebels' defensive end early and often, sending through 12 shots in the first half. UCSB led 2-0 at intermission after picking up goals in the 27th and 43rd minutes.
A UCSB corner kick ricocheted behind
Mikah Madrid's blocking header off the path of the outstretched glove of goalkeeper
Hugo Lemos into the front of the foot of Nalu Mack for a wide-open, two-yard shot.
UCSB's Lucas Gonzalez added a penalty kick goal two minutes before halftime.
The Rebels rallied in the second half. UNLV owned possession time and put six shots on goal in the period.
Nico Lopez, who counted two assists in UNLV's win versus Santa Clara last Thursday, buried a penalty kick in the 76th minute to bring the Rebels within a goal.
UNLV fired three more shots in the waning minutes, but each was saved by UCSB goalkeeper Leroy Zeller.Â
The Rebels remain in California this week for a visit to CSUN on Thursday. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. and the game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
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