UTRGV men’s soccer (3-0-1, 3-0-1) comes aways with a 3-1 victory in a second half scoring flurry over the University of Nevada Las Vegas (1-1-2, 1-1-2) Saturday afternoon at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex.
Early in the match, the Rebels held a 1-0 advantage on a 25th minute goal from freshman forward Valentin Hafner getting it past Vaquero junior goalkeeper Trevor Schneider.
The remainder of the first half both teams would have quality looks, but Schneider was able to neutralize two shots on goal and UNLV junior goalkeeper Lukas Betz held strong between the sticks as UTRGV took six shots and two on goal.
Schneider and Betz would finish the day with two and four saves, respectively.
The Vaqueros would head into the break trailing for the first time this season.
Coming back from a first half deficit is never easy but UTRGV Head Coach Bryheem Hancock knew his team’s mental makeup could overcome the challenge.
“We had a lot of chances early on,” said Hancock during a postgame news conference. “The biggest thing for our group is that we know what type of DNA we have… the group believes and that’s the biggest thing.”
The Vaqueros quickly knotted the game at one all on a PK from senior forward William Akio in the 49th minute.
In the 54th minute, Akio would make an excellent run to the top of the box, weaving and through the backline of the Rebels, to fire a low powerful strike out of the reach of Betz, for his fourth goal of the season, to put the Vaqueros ahead 2-1.
Akio would finish the day with his second two-goal performance of the season, the first coming March 5 against Utah Valley University, Hancock believes the 2020-21 Preseason All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Team selectee is beginning to find his groove.
“He’s getting sharper,” Hancock said. “His runs are sharper, he’s more clinical around the box, he’s getting in scoring positions more often.”
The Vaqueros would complete the second half trifecta in 65th minute as junior forward Reshaun Walkes found the back of the net, his second of the season, off an assist from junior forward Moiad Ankir, playing the No. 10 position.
Despite facing early season injuries, Ankir is now tied for second in the WAC with three assists, two coming in the 3-1 victory over Utah Valley University.
UNLV were awarded a late game penalty, but senior defender Billy Jones missed it to the right of the frame.
The Vaqueros would finish the second half with seven shots, five on goal and holding the Rebels to three shots.
Currently on a four-game unbeaten streak and a two-game winning streak, Hancock explained how the team plays with an all-for-one and one-for-all mentality.
“Being selfless, that’s what the group is all about,” he said. “We play for each other not just yourself; we play for that logo on the front of our shirt.”
The next match for the Vaqueros will be on the road 9 p.m. March 20 against San Jose State at the Spartan Soccer Complex in California.
To watch the match live, visit the WAC Digital Network.
Twitter: @Radio_Rubio
