MILLAN'S GOLDEN GOAL LIFTS MEN'S SOCCER TO 1-0 OVERTIME VICTORY OVER UNLV

10/12/2007

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - For the second time in as many seasons, the UNLV Rebels were defeated by a golden goal off of the right foot of Hornet senior Eli Millan, as Sacramento State posted a 1-0 overtime victory over the visiting Rebels on Friday, Oct. 12 at Hornet Soccer Field.

With the win, the Hornets improve to 2-8-2, 1-1-0 in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, while the Rebels fall to 5-5-2, 1-2-0 in MPSF play.

Millan's goal in the 100th minute of play ended what had been a physical defensive battle between conference rivals. Both goalkeepers, Calvin Bailey of the Rebels and Ryan Kenny of the Hornets, played flawlessly for the first 90 minutes of play in less than ideal conditions. Periods of heavy rain throughout the day combined with heavy use during the day's doubleheader wrecked havoc on the field, which became slippery and very muddy throughout the contest.

UNLV looked to have a 1-0 lead within their grasp in the 63rd minute, as Lamar Neagle had an open opportunity on a header that Kenny was just able to punch over the net for a game-saving stop.

In the first few minutes of overtime, Sacramento State looked in control, but could not put two fairly clear chances on goal due to some fine backline work from the UNLV defense. The Rebels then had two long range shots from Ben Haugland saved by Ryan Kenny, the second of which enabled the counter-attack that would give the Hornets the victory.

Following a deep cross into the box, freshman Cody Shields momentarily controlled the ball with his head before a UNLV defender attempted a clearance header, which deflected off of another player and onto the foot of Millan, who put the ball into the far side of the net for the game-winner.

Kenny posted his second career clean sheet and first of the season in the win, while also collected six saves for the Hornets.

The Rebels were led by Haugland and Neagle, who tallied five shots apiece.

The match marked the fourth straight contest between the two teams to go to overtime, all four of which have been Hornet victories.

Sacramento State returns to the pitch on Sunday, as they take on the nationally ranked New Mexico Lobos in game two of a doubleheader with women's soccer. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:15 p.m.