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Abdalla Named Women's Soccer Coach Former Rebel goalie becomes second coach in program's history.
Feb. 22, 2000
LAS VEGAS - Former UNLV standout goalkeeper Dan Abdalla has been selected as the second head coach of UNLV women's soccer, the school announced Tuesday. Abdalla, who served as the Rebels' assistant coach for the 1999 season, takes over the third-year program following the resignation of Staci Hendershott last month. The Rebels posted a 7-11-1 record last season and finished seventh in the Mountain West Conference. "Continuity in our new program is very important," Director of Athletics Charles Cavagnaro said. "Coach Abdalla brings a thorough knowledge of the game and, just as important, brings an understanding of the university and the city. We look forward to the continued improvement of our women's soccer program." A four-year starter on the UNLV men's soccer team from 1994-97, Abdalla is the school's all-time leader in saves with 321. He also holds the school record for saves in a season (101) and finished his career with a 1.95 goals against average and nine shutouts. A 1997 graduate of UNLV with a degree in communications, Abdalla returned to his alma mater after a two-year professional stint with the Orange County Zodiac of the A League. In four matches in 1998, he posted a 1-1 record and registered his first professional win over the U.S. Pro-40 Select team. The Zodiac is an affiliate of the MLS Los Angeles Galaxy. A Mission Viejo, Calif. native, Abdalla was a three-time first team All-Pacific Coast League selection at Trabuco Hills High School. He was a high school honors graduate and was a three-time conference scholar-athlete honoree.
"I am thrilled and excited for this opportunity," Abdalla said. "This is a young program that is still developing, but I have no doubt that it is headed for success, and I am grateful for the chance to be a part of that."
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