No. 8 'Lopes Win 10th Straight

Thursday, October 25

San Diego, CA

1:00 PM

Grand Canyon

Point Loma University

Saeed Robinson leads the team with 16 goals

Photo by: Darryl Webb

10/25/2012 3:12:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Defeat Point Loma 7-2 in San Diego

The No. 8 Grand Canyon University men’s soccer team defeated Point Loma, 7-2, today in San Diego, Calif. The win was the 10^th straight for the Antelopes, who improved to 14-2-0 overall and 11-1-0 in the Pacific West Conference. The Sea Lions fell to 2-13-0 overall and 1-10-0 in conference play.

The streak is the longest since the ‘Lopes joined the PacWest for the 2007 season; their previous longest streak since joining the conference was nine games, which they did from Sept. 11-Oct. 10, 2009.

The seven goals marked a season-high for the ‘Lopes, as they had previously scored six goals in a victory over Hawai’i Hilo on Oct. 3 in Phoenix. The seven goals are the most for GCU since they shutout Hawai’i Hilo, 9-0, on Oct. 1, 2011.

“Right from the kickoff, Point Loma played very strong,” said head coach Petar Draksin. “They have an excellent coach who is a great leader, so I was not surprised that they were so organized. Fortunately, we stayed together and scored our first goal in the 19^th minute. From there, things starting going our way. It was a fantastic effort on everyone’s part. We had multiple play and get on the scoreboard, so it was a great day for our team.”

GCU was take quick to take charge offensively, attempting eight shots in the first 20 minutes of the game. Saeed Robinson had back-to-back goals to put the ‘Lopes on the board in the 19th minute of the game. The second marked his team-leading 15^th goal of the season.

Robinson tied the school-mark for consecutive games with at least one goal with his sixth straight such contest, the fourth time the feat has been accomplished at GCU and first since 2006.

Robinson also collected his second hat trick of the season when he found the back of the net in the 29^th minute to extend GCU’s lead to 3-0. He had recorded three goals on Oct. 13 at Dixie State en route to guiding the ‘Lopes to a 3-2 overtime win.

GCU outshot the Sea Lions 11-3 over the first 45 minutes, and also placed five shots on goal. GCU’s defense did not allow a Sea Lions shot until the 24^th minute of the game.

Point Loma scored their first goal of the game in the 60^th minute on a header from the far post.

GCU responded by tacking on another goal as Jamiesh Holait headed the ball past Point Loma’s goalie on a corner kick by William O'Dwyer just five minutes later.

Ante Spajic gave the ‘Lopes a four-goal cushion after his shot sailed over the goalies head from 30 yards out to make the score 5-1 in the 77^th minute.

Mehmed Selimovic scored his first collegiate goal in the 82^nd minute on an assist from Anthony Sanchez. Sanchez then followed that with his first collegiate goal in the 88^th minute to give the ‘Lopes a 7-1 advantage. The Sea Lions would score once more before the final buzzer rang, as GCU goalkeeper Matt Malak just missed a shot in the 89^th minute.

“I’m very proud of every one of them,” added Draksin. “Now we are going to enjoy the day and then travel to Riverside tomorrow morning and get ready for Cal Baptist on Saturday. We know what is at stake.”

GCU will conclude their road portion of the schedule when they travel to Riverside, Calif., for a game at California Baptist on Saturday at 12:30 p.m.

GCU 7, PLNU 2