Women’s Soccer Defeats UTRGV 1-0

Friday, October 2

Edinburg, Texas

5 p.m.

Grand Canyon

4-5-2, 1-0-1WAC

Texas Rio Grande Valley

2-6-3, 0-2-0WAC

Grand Canyon

UT Rio Grande Valley

10/2/2015 7:26:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Steven Gonzalez

EDINBURG – For the first time since Sept. 6, the Grand Canyon women's soccer team found itself on the winning end and it couldn't have come at a better time. The Antelopes went on the road and defeated Texas Rio Grande Valley 1-0 to pick up their first win in the Western Athletic Conference. GCU is now 4-5-2 this season.

"It is good to get a win and stay unbeaten in conference this year," head coach Stevie Gill said. "We held the majority of play from the beginning whistle and looked very dangerous in spells throughout the game."

The Antelopes dominated the game offensively, outshooting the Vaqueros 17-8 led by Cassie Beckwith with four shots. High intensity surrounded the match as both teams looked to pick up their first wins in conference as a combined 27 fouls were called between the teams.

GCU created opportunities early with scoring opportunities in the first 10 minutes of the game. Cassie Beckwith came close to scoring in the ninth minute with a shot that was saved by Maria Eriksen and a minute later Milla Benedetti was able to put a strike on goal but Eriksen made a diving save, preventing GCU from taking the lead.

Grand Canyon continued to press and wait for its opportunities and late in the game the Lopes would capitalize. In the 72^nd minute, Jessica Valadez and Taylor Layton would pass the ball off to Madison Cox for a shot inside the box. The defender would give GCU the 1-0 lead as she was able to take the rebound off the goalies foot and place it into the back of the net.

"I thought Madison had a fantastic game and really deserved that goal. Now off to New Mexico to finish our road trip and come back to Phoenix with another solid performance."

The Lopes remain undefeated in the WAC with a 1-0-1 record and will now set their eyes on Sunday's matchup against New Mexico State. The Aggies dropped their match on Friday night to CSU Bakersfield, who GCU tied on Sept. 26 1-1. Kickoff against New Mexico State is at 12 p.m.