In their final weekend of home games this season, the UNLV men’s soccer team dealt with more frustration than it had all season long. The Rebels (12-4-2 overall, 6-2-1 WAC) dropped a stunner to Bakersfield on Friday night before tieing with San Jose State in double-overtime on Senior Day on Sunday. Friday was supposed to be a game in which UNLV could keep the momentum going. After two huge road wins in Western Athletic Conference play, the Rebels took on Bakersfield (9-6-1, 3-4). The scoring started early, with Jason Khamvongsa sending one past the goalkeeper in the 11th minute to give UNLV the quick 1-0 lead. UNLV’s defense was stout all match long, holding the Roadrunners to just four total shots. However, Bakersfield capitalized on their limited opportunities, and after 65 minutes of scoreless action, the Roadrunners scored twice in 71 seconds to top the Rebels, 2-1. UNLV goalkeeper Ryan Harding had two saves in the contest. The San Jose State game was a sloppy, defensive battle between two teams who were more evenly matched than their records indicated. UNLV fought the Spartans to a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes. With both teams unable to score in either overtime period, the game resulted in a scoreless draw. The Rebels outshot San Jose State 14-6, and held a 3-1 advantage in shots on goal. Yet, UNLV was unable to capitalize. There was a piece of history, however, that was accomplished. Harding tied former goalkeeper Harry Fields (1984) for the most shutouts in a single-season with 10. After an unsuccessful weekend, the hope that UNLV would enter its final weekend as a nationally-ranked team is more than likely lost. But as a team so intently set on winning its conference, glitz and glamor probably won’t matter. With the winless weekend, however, the Rebels chances of clinching a regular season conference championship are put on hold. If UNLV were able to win both games against Bakersfield and San Jose, the would have guaranteed themselves at least a share of the regular season title. Now it all comes down to the final weekend. UNLV still has a hold on first place in the WAC, but its once comfortable lead is down to one game. Both Seattle (5-2-1) and Incarnate Word (5-2-1) are one game back of the Rebels (6-2-1). Now more than ever will the Rebels leadership, fortitude and perseverance will be tested. To be crowned conference champions, to do something that the program hasn’t accomplished in more than a decade, is quite simple: win. UNLV plays Grand Canyon (4-10-3, 2-5-2) in its final game of the season, a team it previously beat 3-0 to open conference play. UNLV travels to Phoenix next Sunday, with game-time scheduled for 12 p.m.
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