Rebels host Seattle Pacific, try to run streak to 3

Steve Carp

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 1997 | 8:30 a.m.

The opportunities are there. The goals are starting to come. And with the goals, some success.

Barry Barto is not complaining one bit about his UNLV soccer team being 2-2 at this juncture. He likes what he sees. His hope is that the development of this young team continues, beginning at 7 tonight when the Rebels host Seattle Pacific at Peter Johann Field.

"We're creating chances and we're working hard," he said after the Rebels won both of their games in last weekend's Borden's Soccer Showdown in Albuquerque, N.M. "They're seeing that if the work hard, they'll be in every game. And if they're in the game, they know they have a chance to win."

What pleases Barto even more is that virtually everyone he's putting on the field is making a contribution. Before the season, he promised he would play a lot of guys. So far, he has held true to his word.

"A lot of people are producing," he said. "And for our young people, they're building their confidence.

"Some guys are stepping up. Robbie Delgado played very well over the weekend and Todd Roberts was voted the outstanding defensive player in the tournament. And we got a strong effort from Dan (Abdalla) and his brother Todd in goal."

Roberts has been moved into the stopper position on defense and Mike Griego has returned to forward, where he is teaming with Daniel Schloss, who scored one of UNLV's goals in the 2-0 win over Texas-Pan American last Friday. Barto said both players are more comfortable with the change.

"We don't lose anything with Todd in the back and Mike gives us more offense up front," he said.

"We had done some experimenting early, trying to see who fit in best where. But I think everyone's comfortable with their role and you can see things are starting to click. We have a lot of depth and we're using it."

Dan Abdalla has allowed just three goals in four games. He posted consecutive shutouts over the weekend, though his brother had to sub for him in the second half of Sunday's 1-0 win over Wisconsin-Milwaukee after he suffered a slightly separated right shoulder.

Barto will likely go with Todd Abdalla tonight against Seattle Pacific, which is 3-1 and coming off a tough 2-1 loss to San Diego State. Veteran coach Cliff McGrath always fields a strong side and Barto expects a tough match.

"This is a big week for us," Barto said. "After this weekend, we're on the road for five straight games. We don't want to go backwards, so these next three games are very important to us in terms of maintaining momentum and continuing to build confidence."

Following tonight's game, UNLV hosts Kentucky Friday and Michigan State Sunday in the 15th annual Snickers/Fila Rebel Classic. The Rebels only have won their tournament once in the 1990s, that coming in 1992.