LAS VEGAS — Sophomore
Leslie Fregoso scored her second goal in as many matches to break up the shutout early in the second half and freshman
Sami Ruelas added her first career goal to make it a one-score contest with 16 minutes to play, but the UC Davis women's soccer team's rally came up a goal short on Saturday, falling to host UNLV, 3-2, to close out the Las Vegas Invitational.
The Aggies moved to 1-1 overall after the season's opening weekend, nearly digging out of a three-goal hole after the Rebels (1-1) took early control in the first half.
UNLV opened the scoring in the third minute and added goals in the 22nd and 42nd minutes for a 3-0 halftime advantage, out-shooting the visiting side by a 9-4 count in the first 45 minutes.
UC Davis made the adjustments and answered just nine minutes into the second half as Fregoso netted her second of the year in the 54th minute to make it 3-1, and fought back to within a goal on Ruelas' score on an assist by teammate
Jayde Holley in the 74th minute to make it 3-2.
Alana Curtis had a scoring chance turned away four minutes later and the Aggies pressed for the equalizer late, unleashing five shot attempts in the final 2:03, but could not dent the back of the net.
UC Davis out-shot UNLV by a 23-16 count overall — including a 19-7 advantage during its second-half rally — as Fregoso led all players with five attempts, followed by
Emma Vane and Ruelas with four apiece.
The Aggies open the home portion of their 2021 campaign next week with back-to-back matches at Aggie Soccer Field, hosting New Mexico State on Friday (Aug. 27) at 5 p.m., before welcoming UTEP on Sunday (Aug. 29) at 1 p.m.
ABOUT UC DAVIS
Centrally located between San Francisco and Lake Tahoe, over 700 student-athletes across 25 teams enjoy an unrivaled undergraduate experience at the fifth-ranked public school in the country.
Ranked annually in the nation's top 10 in diversity and students' social mobility, UC Davis and its innovative Aggie EVO System helps student-athletes develop passions, connect with a comprehensive network of alums and industry leaders, gain real-world experience and thrive as a young professional following a successful launch to full-time employment or graduate school.
