GCU Women's Soccer Loses in Overtime

Sunday, September 13

Lacey, WA

1:00PM

Grand Canyon

St. Martin's

9/14/2009 3:50:24 PM | Women's Soccer

W Soccer

9-14-09

GCU Women's Soccer Loses in Overtime

It wasn't a huge shock that the Grand Canyon University (GCU) women's soccer team lost to St. Martin's University, 1-0, in overtime on Sunday. After all, entering the game the Saints were No. 7 in the West region in the NSCAA Division II National Rankings and the Antelopes were No. 8 in the West region, and the game was played at St. Martin's home field in Lacey, Wash.

It was how GCU lost.

In the 93rd minute, Saints goalkeeper Ashley Engel took the ball across midfield and served it up from 45 yards out. 'Lopes junior goalkeeper Mileena Buchei (pictured; Stansbury, UT/Grantsville) got a hand on it, but St. Martin's midfielder Kayci Donatelli was there to knock it in for the win. GCU narrowly escaped the ignominy -- and the extreme rarity -- of allowing a goal by the 'keeper.

Buchei, the reigning Pacific West Conference Women's Soccer Player of the Week, had three saves in the game. Engel also had three.

The 'Lopes (3-2) were outshot 4-3 in the first period, 6-4 in the second period and 2-0 in overtime, and held a 5-3 disadvantage in shots on goal in the game. The Saints (4-2) had four corner kicks in the second half and five for the game; the 'Lopes had just two.

It was the final non-conference matchup of the season for GCU, which returns home to face Dixie State (1-3) on Saturday at 5 p.m. at the GCU Soccer Field.

###