GCU edged out by UTRGV in double overtime

Sunday, October 23

Phoenix, Ariz.

1:00 p.m.

Grand Canyon

7-9-1(3-2-1)

UT Rio Grande Valley

10-6-1(2-4-0

OT 3

OT 4

UTRGV

Grand Canyon

10/23/2016 5:03:00 PM | Women's Soccer

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By: Imani Suber

PHOENIX -- The Grand Canyon Women's soccer team battled to the bitter end, but dropped its match to UTRGV 1-0 in double overtime Sunday afternoon. The Lopes outshot their opponent 20-6, but couldn't manage to convert shots into points in their home finale.

The Lopes honored its nine seniors, Shannon McReynolds, Kathryn Yancone, Christian Recinos, Taylor Layton, Maria Monterroso, Alexis Roberts, Jessica Valadez, Shannon Costello and Joanna Lagunas in a Senior Recognition Day ceremony prior to the match.

How it Happened:
In a physical and intense first half, the Lopes outshot UTRGV 6-1 and drew four corner kicks, but weren't able to find the back of the net. In the gritty first period, Rachel Mina found herself in a physical scuffle on the pitch that resulted in a Vaquero red card on Diandra Aliag in the 13th minute. The altercations continued as three more yellow cards were issued throughout the half. The Lopes weren't short on opportunities in the first, but UTRGV's defense was unyielding and as a result the teams ended the half at 0-0.

While the second half started off slowly, in the 62nd minute GK Blakely Fraasch laid out for a big save after the Vaqueros got a great look at the goal as a result of a free kick. In the 70th minute, Milla Benedetti drew a free kick from right outside the 18-yard box. McKenzie Cook took the kick, but UTRGV's Kinga Szemik dived for the save to keep the score equal at 0-0. The Lopes and UTRGV went on to match each other step-for-step and pushed the match into overtime.

In the first period of overtime action, the Lopes remained on the offensive as Cook made a strong shot, but Szemik came up with the stop. Madison Cox then stepped up with a header shot, but the Vaqueros continued to make plays to keep the game scoreless.

The Lopes entered the second overtime with determination as Benedetti blasted a shot from 20 yards out, but again UTRGV made the stop. Although the Lopes fought valiantly, the Vaqueros drew a penalty kick and netted the ball to steal the match at 1-0.

Lopes Quotes:
Head Coach Derek Leader
"Today was a tough loss against a conference opponent. We had our chances, but weren't able to get the job done and unfortunately three points go to UTRGV in the conference standings. Well done on their part. It was great to honor our seniors this afternoon and now we look to finish the season strong next weekend at Cal State Bakersfield."

Up Next:
The Lopes conclude their 2016 campaign next Saturday, Oct. 29 as they travel to Cal State Bakersfield to take on the Runners. Match time is set for 7 p.m. MST.