The Grand Canyon University men's soccer team (4-11-3, 2-6-2) dropped a close 2-1 decision to the visiting UNLV Rebels (13-4-2, 7-2-1) today at GCU Soccer Field. With the victory, the Rebels clinched the WAC regular season title. UNLV entered the match ranked No. 2 in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America West Region poll.

It was the 13^th game decided by one goal or less (four ties) for the Antelopes this season.

 "I am disappointed in our energy level, especially playing at home," said head coach Petar Draksin. "If we would have played with that same sense of urgency that we did late in the second half, this could have been a completely different game."

"Congratulations to UNLV on winning the conference," added Draksin. "They came here with a purpose. We started pushing forward at the end because their second goal really hurt us. And I thought we kept battling late in the game."

UNLV looked to close out a 2-0 victory before Alberto Sanchez Garcia once placed a free kick ball perfectly into the back of the net to cut the Rebels' lead in half with just over 30 seconds remaining in the game. The score marked Sanchez Garcia's team- and career-best seventh goal of the season.

The Rebels led 16-8 in shots, including 6-3 in shots on goal. Garcia accounted for four of GCU's attempts in the game, while Hector Lasso and Niki Jackson added a shot on target apiece.

The contest looked as though it would remain scoreless after the first 45 minutes of play until the Rebels got on the board in the 43^rd minute. Kyle Mellies was assisted by Jason Khamvongsa and Corey Ackley on a ball that was deflected in the box.

UNLV held the 8-3 advantage in shots as the Rebels kept offensive pressure on GCU's defense for much of the half.

The Rebels opened the second half with the same pressure on their offensive third of the field, building their lead to 2-0 on a free kick goal off the foot of Jason Khamvongsa in the 61^st minute. Sanchez Garcia netted his goal at the 89:21 mark after UNLV was whistled for a foul just outside the box.

The physical contest saw 24 fouls whistled over the 90 minutes of play.

GCU will now play two non-conference matches to finish off their 2014 season, beginning with a 7 p.m. game against Incarnate Word on Wednesday at GCU Soccer Field. Fans can follow the action via live video and stats at www.gculopes.com.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

ECNL Girls N. Atlantic Players to Watch

Women's NCAA Tournament Round Two Preview

Hornets Add 7 on National Signing Day