LAS VEGAS, Nev.—Bakersfield scored two goals late in the second half to come from behind to defeat UNLV 2-1 in Western Athletic Conference men's soccer play Friday night. 

"Tonight was a character performance," said Bakersfield head coach Richie Grant.

The Rebels, who are in first place in the WAC, took a 1-0 lead when Jason Khamvongsa put back an Andy Rodriguez rebound in the 11th minute (12-4-1, 7-2 WAC) to put UNLV in the lead. The Roadrunners would press to try and tie the score.

The pressure paid off at 75:38 when David Velasquez (R-Sr., Los Angeles, Calif., Locke HS) tied the score when he headed in a Simon Doherty (Jr., West Lothian, Scotland, FDU) cross. On the ensuing possession, Velasquez set Julian Zamora (R-Fr., Bakersfield, Calif., Golden Valley HS) from close range for what proved to be the game winning goal at the 76:49 mark. Officially the goals came 1:11 apart.

The Rebels appeared to have gotten in behind the 'Runner defense in the 84th minute but where called off-sides.  UNLV's final chance came with 1:00 to play when a long throw in was put on the CSUB net, but the Roadrunners (9-6-1, 3-4 WAC) were able to clear the ball and break a four-game losing streak and more importantly gain three points in the WAC Tournament race.

"The team needed and deserved the result," Grant said. "UNLV is a top team."

Bakersfield, which scored four goals in a 2:48 span earlier this year during UNLV's Johann Classic, were outshot 12-10 by the rebels. Roadrunner goalie Nicolas Clever (So., Cologne, Germany, Gesamtschule Kuerten) earned his ninth victory of the season. Clever made five saves. Friday's match marked the sixth time in 16 matches this season that the Roadrunners were able to overcome a one-goal deficit.

Bakersfield completes a three-game road swing Sunday when the 'Runners travel to Grand Canyon. Kick is set for 1 p.m. (MST) with the match being featured on the WAC Digital Network. Bakersfield returns home Friday, Nov. 7 when CSUB hosts Utah Valley at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at vallitix.com.

~www.GoRunners.com~