DEFENSE DOESN'T REST IN NORTHRIDGE'S WIN CSUN 3, UNLV 1.

Byline: Sean Ceglinsky Staff Writer

Every time Cal State Northridge goalkeeper Radames Lafaurie was caught out of position Friday, his teammates - particularly sophomores Derek Hanks and Jason Devalle - were there to bail him out.

Hanks hustled back on defense to turn away what appeared to be two sure goals, and Devalle made another goal-saving play in the Matadors' 3-1 nonconference victory over visiting UNLV.

``Derek wants do well and was focused today. The plays he made are ones that winners make,'' Northridge coach Terry Davila said. ``We believe that you create your own luck with hard work, and that's what the defense did out there.''

Devalle's play came midway through the second half. The Rebels' Chris Wessel had Lafaurie beat and was staring right into an empty net. His goal, however, wasn't meant to be - Devalle came out of nowhere, sliding just in front of the end line to clear the ball.

``Big play. Big play,'' Davila said.

Gianni Facio scored the game's first goal from 25 yards out after a well-placed pass from Yossi Raz in the 10th minute.

``That's my shot,'' Facio said. ``I hit it. I better have. I practice it every day, over and over. That goal gave us confidence.''

Indeed it did.

Daniel Paladini and Ryan Rossi came off the bench midway through the first half and executed a perfect give-and-go in the 33rd minute with Rossi finishing the play, beating Peter Clitheroe at the far post for a 2-0 Northridge (3-3) lead.

Sean Ceglinsky, [phone]

sean.ceglinsky(at)dailynews.com