The Hornets started the match with a high paced offense,  putting pressure on the Rebels early in the game. 

Sac State took an early lead when junior defender Genaro Alfaro scored from a shot outside the box. 

“I feel great; it was a great moment,” Alfaro said, “After the goal, we kept going, which is something that sometimes we struggle with — or we get comfortable. But after the goal, we went out and got another goal. It was a good feeling to get that kick start for the team.” 

The Hornets were able to stay on top of the Rebels and continued to push offensively creating plays and not allowing UNLV any chances.  

Hornet junior forward Michael Gonzalez took advantage of a poorly cleared ball and volleyed the ball into the net, giving the Hornets a 2-0 lead. 

“It was a good set up by my teammates,” Gonzalez said. “It fell down to me. I just decided to stick my foot through it and it went in the goal.”

Although the Hornets were up two goals, the Rebels continued to attack as they sought a goal. 

The Rebels finally found their chance at goal when the Hornets defense tackled a Rebels forward inside the box, givingthe Rebels a penalty kick.  

UNLV’s junior midfielder Michael Vogel stepped up to kick the shot, which was blocked by the Hornets sophomore goalkeeper, Mac Learned. Vogel was able to grab the rebound and scored for the Rebels. 

Going into halftime, the Hornets led 2-1.  

“That half ended on a poor note — disappointed with that,” head coach Michael Linenberger said. “It gave them [UNLV] life.”  

In the beginning of the second half, freshman defender Daniel Rojas took advantage of a through ball, scoring a volley that helped UNLV tie the match 2-2. 

The match continued to be very close, turning the game very physical. Both teams continued to create chances, which didn’t amount to anything. 

“We lost our legs a little bit – long tough road trip,” Linenberger said. “With only one day of rest in between games, it caught up to us a little bit in the second half.” 

Sac State ended the match with 11 shots, 9 being on goal with two goals scored. 

The Hornets move to 5-1-2. They will play the University of San Francisco Thursday, Sept. 22 at 4 p.m. at Hornet Field.