Seniors lead GCU to win in home finale

Sunday, October 30

Phoenix, Ariz.

2:00 p.m.

Grand Canyon

7-8-3, 4-3-3WAC

CSU Bakersfield

5-12, 3-6WAC

CSU Bakersfield

Grand Canyon

10/30/2016 4:10:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

By: Steven Gonzalez

PHOENIX - Senior Alexandros Halis contributed a goal and senior keeper Kendyl Day limited CSU Bakersfield to one penalty kick goal as the Lopes topped the Roadrunners 2-1 on Senior Day at GCU Stadium. The Lopes concluded WAC play at 4-3-3.

"It was a tough game for us today because of having to travel to Utah earlier this week," head coach Schellas Hyndman said. "Our defense was very good today. It was a shame we gave up a penalty kick but I thought we were the better team today."

In a first half where there was very little offense, the Lopes were the team that was able to capitalize on one of their few opportunities. Five minutes before the end of the first half, Niki Jackson scored his 15th goal of the season to put GCU up 1-0. After Damian German came close to scoring with his attempt hitting the post, Austin Day was able to send the ball into the box, where Jackson went to the lower right-90 to give GCU the lead. The goal was Jackson's ninth of WAC play.

Even though GCU's back-line limited the Roadrunners to just three shots in the first half, Kendyl Day had to come up big in the 34th minute. CSUB's Louis Lapouge was able to sneak past GCU's back-line for a shot within the box but Day came up with a big save to hold the Roadrunners scoreless in the first 45 minutes.

On Senior Day, it was only fitting that a senior would score and in the 60th minute, Halis delivered his third goal of the season after Jackson found him in the box. Jackson was in the far right corner of the field and was able to juke his defender where he found Halis right in front of goal.

CSU Bakersfield began to generate an offensive attack in the middle of the second half and the Roadrunners were awarded a penalty kick. Hugo Vinales took the PK for CSUB and converted to trim GCU's lead to 2-1. After the goal, GCU's defense locked down and kept the 2-1 score intact to move above .500 in conference play.

"I undertsand the emotions that go into Senior Day but I was really pleased with the way we played for each other," Hyndman added. "Our quality of play was good today, and I am happy we can send the seniors off with a win at home."

GCU will conclude its season on Wednesday, Nov. 2, as they travel to face Akron.