RENO, Nev. - Nevada soccer scored three goals to defeat Mountain West standings leader San Diego State 3-2 Sunday afternoon at Mackay Stadium. 

Junior forward Emily Rich notched her second career two-goal match and her first since Oct. 3, 2021. Rich is now sixth in program history in career goals (12) and career points (35). Fifth year midfielder Brooklyn Blake scored her third goal of the season and eighth career goal. 

Nevada, who was predicted to finish last in the Mountain West in the preseason poll, is currently fifth in the conference standings with 13 points and four points ahead of New Mexico and UNLV. With the top six qualifying for the conference tournament, Nevada is seeking its first bid to the Mountain West tournament since 2013. 

With Nevada's back line refusing to give up a shot to San Diego State through the first 15 minutes, the Pack took advantage of an offensive opportunity. After Blake drew a foul inside the penalty area, the fifth year midfielder sunk the penalty kick through the back of the net to give Nevada the early lead. 

San Diego State responded by firing a pair of quick shots in the 19th minute, but Nevada's back line forced them to go off target. After the Pack's back line forced another SDSU shot to go off target, redshirt freshman Ally Larkin came up with her first save of the match in the 24th minute and helped the Nevada defense carry the 1-0 lead through the first 45 minutes. 

The momentum continued to swing in Nevada's direction in the second half, with Rich utilizing her speed to score an unassisted goal in the 48th minute that put Nevada in front by two goals. After a second yellow card was issued to San Diego State in the 64th minute that forced the Aztecs to finish the match with 10 players, Nevada took advantage. 

Rich once again used her quickness to beat the San Diego State defenders and scored another solo goal in the 71st minute that allowed Nevada to pull ahead 3-0. Not wanting its five-match winning streak to slip away, San Diego State sought a comeback. 

Following a goal in the 86th minute, the Aztecs scored again with just over one minute to play in regulation. Nevada, however, ruined San Diego State's hopes of a comeback by not allowing a shot in the final minute and sealed the win. 

Nevada goes back on the road to take on Boise State Thursday at 6 p.m. 

Notes

• Nevada snapped San Diego State's five-match winning streak and handed the Aztecs their first loss in Mountain West play. 
• Junior forward Emily Rich recorded her second career multi-goal match. It was her first match with two goals since Oct. 3, 2021. She is now sixth in program history in career goals (12) and career points (35).
• Fifth year midfielder Brooklyn Blake scored her third goal of the season and her eighth career goal in the 15th minute off a penalty kick. 
• Nevada's six wins in 2023 are the most by a Wolf Pack soccer team since 2015. 
• Nevada is currently fifth in the Mountain West standings with 13 points, four points ahead of New Mexico and UNLV. The top six teams qualify for the Mountain West Tournament. 

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