Second Half Scores Propel Kansas City Past GCU

Friday, October 4

Kansas City, MO

5 p.m.

Grand Canyon

1-9-1 (0-4-1)

Kansas City

6-6-1 (3-2-0)

Team	1	2	Final F
Grand Canyon	2	0	2
UMKC	2	4	6

Joanna Lagunas

Photo by: Darryl Webb

10/4/2013 7:04:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Two 'Lopes record first goal of 2013 season

The Grand Canyon University women's soccer team (1-9-1, 0-4-1) opened their two-game Western Athletic Conference road trip with a 6-2 loss at Kansas City (6-6-1, 3-2-0) tonight at Durwood Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

The 'Roos used an offensive outburst in the final 45 minutes to break a 2-2 tie at halftime, as they outshot the 'Lopes 10-4 in the second half en route to scoring four unanswered goals.

"We found ourselves in a hole being down 2-0, but we fought back to tie the game going into the second half," said head coach Stevie Gill. "I think being such a young and inexperienced team, we made a couple of rookie mistakes early in the second half that cost us. It really is a new experience for many of the players and they need to increase their speed of play and decision-making in order for us to be successful."

The teams shared possession for most of the first half until the 'Roos broke through with a goal in the 25^th minute off the foot of Taylor Bare, who dribbled the ball into the box before placing it over diving GCU keeper Cat Lena. Bare scored her second goal of the half in the 36^th minute on a rebounded blocked shot in the box.

Joanna Lagunas cut the Kansas City lead in half when she found the back of the net from approximately 40 yards out just three minutes later for her first score of the season. Jessica Fitzgerald evened the score at two with a goal under the two minute mark of the first half after the ball bounced around in the Kansas City box following a GCU corner kick. It was also the first goal of the season for Fitzgerald.

Both squads put five shots on goal in the first 45 minutes, although the 'Roos held the slight advantage in shots, 9-6.

Two quick goals to open the second half handed the 'Roos a 4-2 lead, beginning when Bare recorded the hat trick as she put Kansas City ahead, 3-2, three minutes into the half. Ellie Chadick followed that with a goal of her own seven minutes later, in the 54^th minute, on an assist from Kaely Tott.

Kansas City extended their lead to 5-2 in the 68^th minute when Alyssa Elver picked up her third score of the season on an assist from Chadick. Ten minutes later, Emily Herndon scored to make it a 6-2 contest on an assist from Tott.

Lena finished with a season-high eight saves in the contest, while the 'Lopes offense was led by Fitzgerald, who attempted four shots, all of which were on goal.

GCU will now head to Las Cruces, NM to take on New Mexico State on Sunday at noon (Arizona time). Fans can follow the action live by visiting www.gculopes.com.

"Now we look to regroup and get back on track for our game on Sunday at New Mexico State," added Gill.

UMKC 6, GCU 2