Despite Suspensions and Injuries, 'Lopes Continue Unbeaten Streak

Monday, October 4

GCU

5:45 p.m.

Grand Canyon

Hawai'i Pacific

Mitchell Garcia

Despite Suspensions and Injuries, 'Lopes Continue Unbeaten Streak

10/4/2010 9:47:10 PM | Men's Soccer

By: Joel Horn

Despite three players having been suspended for the game and three potential starters out due to injury, the Grand Canyon University men's soccer team defeated Hawaii Pacific 2-1 tonight at the GCU Soccer Field and extended its unbeaten streak to 12 matches going back to last season.

The match was expected to be an epic battle between the first- and second-place teams in the Pacific West Conference. Both were undefeated in conference play. The Antelopes were riding a seven-game winning streak this season, while the Sea Warriors had a five-game winning streak of their own. The game almost didn't take place, however, because for nearly an hour beforehand there were rainstorms with thunder and lightning in the area. The rain let up just before kickoff.

Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the contest didn't disappoint.

Junior midfielder Cordero Young (Orlando, FL/Central Florida Christian Academy, Tyler Junior College) gave GCU a 1-0 lead with an unassisted goal in the 29th minute. There was a long ball and two players collided, and Young was there to put the ball in the back of the net.

It was Young's seventh goal of the season, tied for third most in the conference.

In the 52nd minute, junior midfielder Mitchell Garcia (Avondale, AZ/Agua Fria, Phoenix College) scored an unassisted goal to make the score 2-0. There was a rebound at around the 18-yard line, and Garcia was able to set himself and rip the ball past the keeper.

Mitchell has scored two goals this season. His first came in the season opener against Montana State Billings on Sept. 4.

Fifteen minutes later, HPU got on the scoreboard when freshman midfielder George Fochive knocked in a loose ball in the box. Junior midfielder/forward Chance Bukoski, the conference's second-leading scorer (behind GCU sophomore forward Kyle Ciliento), was credited with an assist on the play.

The Sea Warriors had a 10-9 advantage in shots in the game. The 'Lopes had a 3-1 edge in corner kicks, but they also committed four more fouls (12) than HPU in what was a very hotly contested game.

Three yellow cards were issued, two of them against the 'Lopes, and GCU junior midfielder Miguel Benavides (Salem, OR/Sprague) received a red card in the 59th minute.

The ‘Lopes improved to 8-0-1 overall, 7-0-0 in the PacWest, while the Sea Warriors fell to 6-2-0, 5-1-0.

The two teams square off again at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday at the GCU Soccer Field.

"We had a couple of disciplinary suspensions that we had to take care of before tonight's game," Head Coach Petar Draksin said. "Also, we had three potential starters out with injuries -- Frederic Schoelzel, Harvey Martinez and Chris Green.

"Suspensions are the right thing to do for the benefit of the program. As far as injuries, we have no control of. We definitely missed those players. For the game, just like Saturday night, the guys showed tremendous character in fighting to get another win under their belt. What else do you expect from a program like ours that has a tradition through the years? We always stress to our young men that it's a commitment to the program for the players and the coaches to keep fighting to keep our program on the map. Hawaii Pacific is a great team, and every year it's a battle. It was the same last season in Hawaii, a 1-1 battle in the mud. Their program is without question in the top three in the PacWest.

"Codero's goal was incredible. It was struck very well into the upper corner. Mitch's goal came at the right time. It was good to see Mitch get a goal and get back on track. He's a fantastic player, and he's very important to our program. For our next game on Wednesday night, we have to show up again and take care of business. We know it's going to be a tough one again. As competitors, that's what you're looking for is to play highly-competitive, great games."

Box score

###