LAS VEGAS, Nev. — LMU men's soccer opened its two-match weekend with a tightly contested 2-1 setback at UNLV on Thursday night, despite controlling stretches of play and generating several quality chances. 
 

After a scoreless first half, LMU came out strong after the break. In the 49th minute, defender Ismail Nieves pushed forward and delivered the breakthrough goal, slotting a shot past the UNLV keeper to put the Lions ahead 1-0. The finish marked Nieves' first goal of the season and gave LMU early momentum in the second half. 
 

The Lions nearly doubled the lead minutes later with a shot on target that forced a save, and Hugo Tavares added another dangerous attempt shortly after that also tested the Rebel goalkeeper. 
 

Goalkeeper Philip Hovers kept LMU in front with several key moments, none bigger than his stop on a UNLV penalty kick in the 65th minute. Hovers dove to his left to deny Nick Legendre from the spot, keeping the score level at 1-1 after UNLV had equalized two minutes earlier. He finished with three saves on the night. 
 

LMU continued to press forward late, earning three second-half corner kicks and outshooting the Rebels 10-9 overall. Elie Bokota had a chance to reclaim the lead with a penalty attempt in the 77th minute, but his shot went off target. Moments later, UNLV capitalized on the counter with the eventual game-winner in the 80th minute. 
 

Tavares, Bokota, and Ismael Mane each recorded shots on frame for the Lions, who challenged UNLV's defense throughout the match. 
 

LMU (0-1) now turns its attention to its home opener on Sunday against American University at Sullivan Field.