On a hot Sunday night in Las Vegas, the UNLV men’s soccer team scored with just five seconds left in the second half to force a 1-1 tie with preseason 20th-ranked UC Irvine in an exhibition contest at Peter Johann Memorial Field.

With the game coming at the end of the first week of preseason practice for both teams, as to be expected there were signs of strong play as well as some rust from each squad. The Anteaters had its offense flowing early, with an early goal called offsides in the first four minutes, and then coming up with the night’s first score in the 20th minute, a goal by Eduardo Calzada off an assist by Noah Gaines.

UNLV started to get its attack going near the end of the first half, and nearly scored on a blast by Rodrigo Fuentes that was stopped by the UCI goalkeeper. The Rebels finished with several shots near the end of the half but went into the locker room down 1-0.

Both teams subbed frequently in the second half, both due to the heat and to get as many players into the game. The action was kept in the midfield for most of the second half, until the final 10 minutes when UNLV again pressed its attack. The Rebels twice nearly came up with a goal, first with Oscar Velazquez sending in a hard shot from in front of the goal 10 yards out that Elliott Farmer made an impressive save on for the Anteaters. One minute later, the Rebels again threaten to score as they hit the crossbar with a shot that almost crossed the goalline after it bounced back to the ground, however it was ruled to not be a goal.

UNLV’s efforts on offense paid off just in time. Fuentes started things off with a shot that was saved by Farmer. After a scramble for the ball, Corey Ackley took control on the right side and slotted in a quick shot to tie the game at 1-1.

UNLV finished with a 10-6 edge on shots and 7-3 on corner kicks. Three goalies played for the Rebels on Sunday, with Richard Garness playing the entire first half. Nathan Bohm and Daniel Neale combined for the second half, with Neale and Garness finishing the game with one save each. UCI’s goalkeepers were forced to make seven saves total in the game, four from Michael Breslin and three by Farmer.

Another exhibition game for the Rebels will be on Saturday at 7 pm against Cal Baptist, before the season opens on Friday, AUg. 28 at Cal Poly.