Box Score SEATTLE, Wash.-UNLV goalie Ryan Harding made two saves as the Rebels made all four of their attempts in the penalty kick shootout to send UNLV past Bakersfield and into the NCAA Tournament Sunday in the finals of the Western Athletic Conference men's soccer tournament.
“We came a long way as a program this week,” said Bakersfield head coach Richie Grant.
Corey Ackley headed in a Danny Musovski pass at the 15:29 mark of the first half to give the Rebels the lead. Julian Zamora (R-Fr., Bakersfield, Calif., Golden Valley HS) tied the score with his 12th goal of the year with 19:15 to play. After being outshot 9-5 in the first half, Bakersfield would outshoot the Rebels 15-13 for the match. Despite the advantage, the teams were tied after two overtimes and went to the shootout. The match would officially be recorded as a 1-1 tie.
For the second straight match, Anthony Perez (R-Jr., Fontana, Calif., Bloomington HS) was inserted by the Roadrunners' coaching staff into the goal to defend against the penalty kicks. Kevin Partida opened the shootout with a successful attempt to the low right of the goal. Edan Mendoza (Fr., Atlanta, Ga. (Collins Hill HS) had his PK blocked by Harding.
Danny Musovski opened round two with a successful attempt for the Rebels. Mario Iniguez (Jr., Bakersfield, Calif., Taft College) made his attempt to make 2-1 in favor of UNLV. Bradley Kamden began round three with a successful PK which was followed by Joe Masumiya's (R-Sr., Lakewood, Calif., Lakewood HS) successful PK. Sebastian Hernandez connected on his attempt. Simon Doherty (Jr., West , Scotland, FDU) attempted to put the ball past Harding on the low right, but Harding came up with the successful save.
Masumiya, Zamora, and Alex Flores (Sr., Sylmar, Calif., Birmingham Community HS) were named to the All-Tournament team.
Bakersfield ends the season with a 10-7-5 record. UNLV is 15-4-3. The NCAA Tournament field will be announced on Monday at approximately 10 a.m. (PST).
“I want to thank and acknowledge our senior class,” Grant said. “They are super people and we are proud of the way the led our program.”
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