Grand Canyon falls in home finale in 2OT

M Soccer

10-27-08

Somehow it seemed like they deserved a better fate. But with the Antelopes pushing, Seattle Pacific kept punching.

And with three seconds left in the second overtime, SPU punched in the gamewinning goal -- a backbreaker that likely will end GCU's season after the four-game road trip to Hawaii.

Seattle Pacific won 2-1 in double overtime, marking the Antelopes' first loss at GCU Soccer Complex since Aug. 30, 2007. It was GCU's first loss at home this year, and it also marked the first time in six games the Antelopes allowed a goal at home.

It spoiled a senior night for 11 Grand Canyon players, including Fito Collazo, who had his supporters. Even Matheau "Dupe" Hall (pictured) had relatives fly in from Virginia Beach to see his final home game.

"I was pushing for the win," Grand Canyon coach Petar Draksin said. "A tie was not going to help us."

Grand Canyon (6-5-4) responded from a one-goal deficit when Nick Sykes scored on a double header by Dusan Radisavljevic and Jose Robles at the 74:27 mark. It was Sykes' fourth goal of the season.

SPU's Griffin Fahling scored two goals, the first off a throw-in by Colin Kosco at the 35:39 mark. That put the Falcons (6-7-3) ahead 1-0.

Fahling's second goal came with three seconds remaining in the second overtime as he banged in a shot off the corner kick from Drew Williams.

Grand Canyon goalkeeper Franco Carotenuto made four saves, allowing more than one goal for the first time this year. SPU keeper Kaleb Kuehn was forced to stop just one shot.

GCU will head to Hawaii for a four-game road trip beginning Saturday at Hawaii-Hilo.

Grand Canyon University Athletics

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