Miguel Gonzalez (Yelm, Wash.) earned his third multiple-goal match of the season, and the Seattle University defense held off the UNLV attack as the Redhawks defeated the Rebels, 2-0, Friday night in Western Athletic Conference men’s soccer action at Peter Johann Field.
The two teams alternated scoring chances early in the first half, with UNLV taking three shots in the first 27 minutes of the half and Seattle U taking two shots. The Redhawks nearly took the lead in the 30th minute, but Justice Duerksen’s (San Clemente, Calif.) shot hit the post, and Jonathan Massimino’s (San Ramon, Calif.) attempt a minute later sailed high.
In the 33rd minute, Massimino set up Gonzalez, who blasted a shot from about 20 yards out inside the left post for his 10th goal of the season. Four minutes later, the same combination struck again, as Massimino stole the ball from a UNLV defender inside the box and fed Gonzalez, who once again found the left side of the net for his second tally of the night.
UNLV (3-9-0, 1-3-0 WAC) had a solid scoring chance seven minutes into the second half, but a header directed on net by Corey Ackley was stopped by Redhawk goalie Jake Feener (Rocklin, Calif.). The Rebels earned back-to-back chances in the 71st minute, but Salvador Bernal’s shot was blocked, and the follow-up chance from Carlos Lara sailed just wide.
"It was a good win on the road. There were two very good goals by Miguel and excellent work from Jonathan,” Seattle U head coach Peter Fewing said. “We'll take the shutout. The guys played well and held them off, especially in the second half. We're continuing to improve which is great."
Although the Rebels took more shots than the Redhawks (17-10), only two of UNLV’s shots were on goal, and Feener was able to turn away both of them. Rodrigo Fuentes led all players with seven total shots, while Bernal took five shots, but only one of the 12 combined was on frame. Gonzalez led Seattle U with five total shots.
Seattle University (4-8-2, 3-0-1 WAC) continues its road trip with a match at Bakersfield Sunday, Oct. 20, starting at 1 p.m. The Redhawks return home to face Air Force Friday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. and Grand Canyon Sunday, Oct. 27, at 1 p.m. at Championship Field.