No. 23 GCU Squeaks By Mesa State

Friday, September 11

W 3-2

7:30 p.m.

Grand Canyon

Mesa State College

9/11/2009 11:41:54 PM | Men's Soccer

M Soccer

9-11-09

No. 23 GCU Squeaks By Mesa State

The Grand Canyon University (GCU) men's soccer team, currently No. 23 in the nation and No. 3 in the West region in the NSCAA Division II National Rankings, scored in the 89th minute to beat winless Mesa State College, 3-2, tonight at the GCU Soccer Field.

Freshman forward Kyle Ciliento (Phoenix, AZ/Pinnacle) headed the ball in off a pass from junior forward Harvey Martinez (pictured; Miami, FL/Coral Gables). It was Ciliento's second goal of the game and fifth of the season for the Antelopes (2-1-1). His first goal of the game came at 1:23, when he connected on a penalty kick. Martinez also assisted on GCU's second goal, by junior midfielder/forward Juan Mendez (Bolivia/Horizon) at 19:55.

Mesa State's first score was an own goal off the head of 'Lopes freshman defender Skylar Roy (Littleton, CO/Desert Ridge). The Mavericks (0-3-1) knotted the game at 2 at 81:38 on an goal by forward Evans Afriyie off an assist by midfielder Ryan McClanahan, who also was credited with an assist on the own goal.

For the game, the 'Lopes outshot the Mavericks, 11-6, and had more shots on goal, 5-3. GCU also had a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks.

'Lopes junior goalkeeper Ben Paneccasio (Sydney, Australia/Roseban K College) registered one save while his counterpart, Josh Tinaglia, had two.

GCU faces Western Washington, currently tied for No. 10 in the West region rankings, on Tuesday at 3 p.m. at the GCU Soccer Field.

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