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LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The UNLV women’s soccer team outshined New Mexico for a 3-0 road win over the Lobos to open Mountain West play Thursday night at UNM Soccer Complex.
The Rebels (3-5-1, 1-0) played spoiler by handing UNM (4-2-2, 0-1) its first home loss this year, while also picking up their first win in Albuquerque since 2015. The sophomore duo of Trinity Buchanan and Cassie Villanueva spearheaded the Scarlet & Gray attack, with Buchanan netting her second brace of the season and Villanueva adding the other score.
Villanueva, who also recorded an assist for a season-best three points, and Buchanan found themselves at the center of each scoring play in the 22nd minute, 29th minute and 47th minute. Villanueva helped set up each Rebel goal, stealing the ball in the box and slipping it to Buchanan for the first, taking it herself after intercepting another in the attacking zone for the second and drawing a penalty kick that was subsequently converted by Buchanan on the last.
Adding their own heroics, junior Hanne Breur made five saves as she and the Scarlet & Gray backline combined for six stops as a team to earn their first shutout of the year. Those saves included a diving Breur toward the left post on a threatening Lobo free kick from just outside the 18 in the 42nd minute and Elizabeth Bautista clearing a UNM shot at the last second in the 81st minute.
“Our team played a spectacular game. I’m so pleased with the shutout, everyone’s defensive play and I’m also really proud of the finishing from our goal scorers. It was a full team performance. They have been locked in on the conference season since August and showed they are ready for it. I’m so proud of them,” said UNLV Head Coach Jenny Williams.
UP NEXT: UNLV concludes its four-game road swing with Sunday’s noon tilt at San Diego State.
NOTES:
- The Rebels matched their season high in scoring with their three scores, each of which have come in UNLV victories.
- Continuing her strong play in net for the Rebels, Breur recorded at least five saves for the third time in the last four contests.
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