Lopes suffer heartbreaking loss in Seattle

Friday, October 7

Seattle, Wash.

7:00 p.m.

Grand Canyon

4-8-0, 0-1-0WAC

Seattle U

6-5-1, 1-0-0WAC

Grand Canyon

Seattle U

10/7/2016 9:12:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Imani Suber

SEATTLE – The Grand Canyon women's soccer team put up a fight against Seattle U in a match that came down to the final minutes. In GCU's Western Athletic Conference opener, the Lopes played step-for-step with the Redhawks, but gave up a goal in the 84th minute. In an evenly matched contest the Lopes had 11 shots to Seattle U's 12 with four on target and two corner kicks.

How it Happened:
In a physical and gritty first half, the Lopes stout defense held the Redhawks to just four shots. GCU cleared the box six times as Seattle U drew six corner kicks in the half. On the offensive side, the Lopes rattled off six shots. Both Anyssa De Vera and Milla Benedetti had solid looks at the goal, but couldn't convert their shots into points. GCU also had a pair of corner kicks, but Seattle U's defense cleared the box in both attempts.The Lopes and Seattle U ended the half deadlocked at 0-0.

The defensive battle continued deep into the second half as both teams remained in a back-and-forth contest. While GCU produced six shots in the second half, they couldn't find the back of the net. The Lopes remained relentless thwarting another six corners in the second half and continued to make defensive stops. In the 84th minute, Blakely Fraasch dove in front of the crossbar in an attempt to make a stop, but Seattle U's Isabelle Butterfield stole the ball and passed it to Natasha Howe who netted the loan goal of the contest. GCU quickly answered, firing off a pair of shots of their own and with one minute remaining Rachel Mina broke free of her defenders and fired a shot right at the Redhawks goal, but Seattle U's Mackenzie Curry came up with the save that solidified the 1-0 victory.

Lopes Quotes:
Head Coach Derek Leader
"Tonight was a tough loss against a very good team. We had our chances and played really well. I'm proud of the effort these ladies are putting in. The results will come."

Up Next:
The Lopes will look to bounce back as they host Utah Valley in their conference home opener Sunday, Oct. 9. Match time is set for 7 p.m. MST.