FRESHMAN’S HEROICS LIFTS UNLV WOMEN’S SOCCER PAST BOISE STATE 2-1
Rebels perfect 3-0 at home this season
UNLV continues to field a team with a high number of freshmen, and they continue to rise to the challenge as Jordan Magnin’s first career multi-goal game lifted the Rebels past Boise State 2-1 in the Mountain West women’s soccer opener for both teams on Friday night at Peter Johann Field. The Rebels improved their overall record to a league-best 6-3-2, and are 1-0 in league play, while the Broncos dropped to 5-4-2, 0-1 in the MW.
“We knew that Boise State was a dynamic, fast and athletic team, and that we would have to play at a high level if we wanted to come out with a win,” said UNLV head coach Michael Coll. “Our plan tonight was to make sure we stayed in front of them on defense, and I felt like we did a great job of that about 95% of the time. And the freshmen all played great, while Jordan is really blossoming into a great scorer. She keeps us on pace and keeps the attack going when she’s in there, and was able to make some good things happen tonight.”
Of the 15 field players that saw action on the night for the Rebels, 10 were freshmen, including all five substitutes. That includes Magnin, who entered the game late in the first half, and immediately made an impact. Following a free kick by UNLV, the ball would come to her and she blasted a low shot from 25 yards out. The ball was sent to the left side of the goal, just eluding Boise State goalkeeper Maddy McDevitt enough to sneak inside for the UNLV score in the 39th minute. That would be the halftime lead as well, though UNLV nearly scored again on another low shot to the corner. This time, however, Brittney Gideon’s shot was deflected out at the last second by McDevitt. Those were the only two shots of the half for UNLV, while the Broncos finished with four.
The shot edge was even more in favor for the visitors in the second half, 9-3, but they were kept off the scoreboard until the final minutes. Boise State pushed up the attack on the left side before KT Clayton sent in a pass from the left side to the middle of the box. Brooke Heidemann was there to direct the ball to the right side of the goal, giving her a league-high six goals on the year, and tying the score at 1-1 in the 84th minute. With time running out before the game would go into overtime, the Rebels would answer the Bronco score. This one was again set up by a BSU foul, leading to a free kick that was taken by Jenn Wolfe. The senior sent a high shot towards the goal that McDevitt lost track of before it eventually hit the crossbar, and bounced down into the box in front of Magnin. The freshman then blasted a shot to the far left post, giving UNLV a 2-1 edge, in the 87th minute. UNLV then held on defense to claim the win.
The final shot total was 13-5 in favor of Boise State, 7-3 in shots on goal. Kylie Wassell was strong in goal for UNLV all night long, coming up with six saves for the Rebels. McDevitt meanwhile finished with one stop in the game. Corner kicks were also 3-1 in favor of BSU.
UNLV will play a second home game this weekend, hosting new league rival Utah State on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 1 pm at Peter Johann Field.
