Women's Soccer Gets First WAC Win at New Mexico State

Sunday, October 6

Las Cruces, NM

12 p.m.

Grand Canyon

New Mexico State

NMSU Soccer Complex scoreboard

Photo by: Theon Carrier

10/6/2013 2:32:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Samantha Bush scores game-winner in double overtime

The Grand Canyon University women's soccer team (2-9-1, 1-4-1) recorded its first Western Athletic Conference win with a 2-1, double overtime victory over New Mexico State (4-8-1, 1-4-0) today at the NMSU Soccer Complex in Las Cruces, N.M. It was the sixth game decided by one goal or less for GCU, and their second forced into double overtime.

"I think we worked tirelessly today and gave the opposition very little space on the pitch," said head coach Stevie Gill."We certainly deserved the win, the girls stuck to the game plan and it paid dividends."

The Antelopes controlled the ball offensively for much of the latter part of the game, ultimately holding the advantage in shots on goal (8-7). GCU put seven of those shots on target beginning in the second half. For the game, the Aggies narrowly outshot the 'Lopes, 14-12, while the squads were even with six saves apiece.

"We were all over them in the first half and missed a couple of clear chances to put the game away," said Gill. "We gave them a silly penalty kick that they tied the game with, but beyond that, I thought we were a far better team today and deserved the win."

GCU made a great defensive stop early in the game, collecting a team save after the Aggies found themselves with an open net following Cat Lena's diving attempt to stop the threat in the eighth minute.

The 'Lopes then struck first when Cassie Beckwith dribbled the ball past NMSU defenders for a long shot that surged past charging Aggies keeper Jessica Schutter from outside of the box in the 22^nd minute for her second goal of the season. GCU would maintain that 1-0 advantage heading into halftime as the first 45 minutes were marked by strong defense, with the Aggies narrowly outshooting the 'Lopes, 4-3.

NMSU evened the score at one on a penalty kick by Daisy Hernandez in the 47^th minute following a GCU foul in the box. That would end the scoring in regulation as the 'Lopes played their third overtime contest of the season.

The 'Lopes forced the NMSU defense to work hard in the first overtime period, placing two of their three shots on goal, while Lena recorded two saves of her own in that first overtime.

Samantha Bush worked for a great opportunity to score in the 102^nd minute after beating a pair of Aggies defenders, but Schutter came up with the diving save. GCU kept the offensive pressure on and Bush ended the contest with a goal in the 106^th minute, her team-leading third score of the season.

Beckwith and Shannon Costello took three shots apiece, two of which were on target. Bush also attempted three shots in the game, all of which were on goal, while Lena finished with five saves.

"I thought Cat played fantastic today and we looked very orgainzed in the back," added Gill. "Cassie played her usual steady game and Sam scored a great goal to win the game. We have played some excellent soccer this season and did not get the results so it is great to get a win on the road before our four games at home. I'm very proud of the girls today and will enjoy the trip home."

The 'Lopes will now return home to GCU Soccer Field for a stretch of four consecutive games in Phoenix, beginning with a matchup against Seattle U on Friday, Oct. 11 at 5:45 p.m. The men's and women's soccer teams will play their Friday and Sunday doubleheaders in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

GCU 2, NMSU 1 2OT