Jackson's hat trick gives GCU its first WAC win

Thursday, October 6

Houston, Texas

5:30 p.m.

Grand Canyon

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

Houston Baptist

3-6-1, 1-2-0WAC

Grand Canyon

HBU

10/6/2016 7:23:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score Box Score

By: Steven Gonzalez

HOUSTON, Texas – In its second week of Western Athletic Conference play, the Grand Canyon men's soccer team went on the road to face Houston Baptist. For the second time this season, Niki Jackson recorded a hat trick to give GCU the 3-2 win over the Huskies. After the Lopes' first win in WAC play, GCU improves to 4-5-2 this season.

After a slow start offensively to begin the match, Niki Jackson got things going as he continued his hot streak, scoring his seventh goal of the season. After Damian German had a shot on goal, Jackson was able to collect the rebound for a shot in the lower-90 to put GCU up 1-0 over the Huskies.

Houston Baptist responded with a goal of its own in the 29th minute as Marc Anthone tied the match at 1-1 but Jackson was there to respond yet again for the Lopes. In the 36th minute, Jackson was able to carry the ball all the way from the midfield and strike the ball into the left corner of goal to make it 2-1 going into halftime.

Early in the second half Houston Baptist would once again even the score as Brandon Smith scored his first goal of the season to make it 2-2. As the match looked like it was going into overtime, Jackson would deliver his third game-winning goal of the season. Hector Montalvo would cross the ball into the box where Jackson came up with a header to win the game.

In a physical match where there were 27 fouls, the Lopes outshot the Huskies 17-10 with seven shots on goal. GCU's defense did a good job of keeping HBU's offense away from goal as the back-line allowed just four shots on goal.

GCU will close out the weekend on Saturday, Oct. 8, with a matchup against Air Force at GCU Stadium. The game will be televised on CW6 and will be streamed on GCU.TV. The March to the Match will begin at 6:30 p.m.