Grand Canyon Drops 2-1 Match to New Mexico State

Sunday, October 4

Las Cruces, N.M.

12 p.m.

Grand Canyon

4-6-2, 1-1-1

New Mexico State

3-9-0, 2-1-0

Grand Canyon

NM State

10/4/2015 2:16:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Steven Gonzalez

LAS CRUCES – The Grand Canyon women's soccer team wrapped up its three-match Western Athletic Conference road trip facing New Mexico State. After coming off their first win on the road against Texas Rio Grande Valley, the Antelopes dropped their first WAC match of the season, losing to the Aggies 2-1. Grand Canyon is now 4-6-2 this season.

"We came out exceptionally flat today and we struggled to find a rhythm in the game," head coach Stevie Gill said. "Credit to New Mexico State as they wanted it more than our players and it showed."

At home, the Aggies jumped on the Lopes early scoring in the 14^th minute to take the quick 1-0 lead. Audrey Chavez made a run where Alexis Reinks found her to score the first goal of the game. The Aggies would extend their lead to two goals after a penalty kick scored by Holly Abdelkader in the 32^nd minute.

Grand Canyon tried making a late push in the second half to tie the game attempting eight shots in the second half. In the 67^th minute, GCU was able to force an own goal on New Mexico State to cut down the Aggie lead 2-1. GCU's defense was able NMSU just under its season average of 13 shots per game as the Aggies attempted 12 shots on Sunday.

Cassie Beckwith led GCU with four shot attempts and seven players were able to get a shot off but the Lopes were unable to capitalize off their 15 shot attempts.

"In order for us to win consistently moving forward we need to finish our chances," Gill said. "We had plenty of chances during the game and we were not able to put them away."

Grand Canyon will return home next week, Oct. 9 and Oct. 11, for its first WAC matches at home this season. GCU will face Chicago State and Kansas City at GCU Soccer Field.