Cox's game-winning goal in 2OT tops UVU

Sunday, October 9

Phoenix, Ariz.

Noon

Grand Canyon

5-8-0 (1-1)

Utah Valley

6-6-1 (0-2)

OT 1

OT 2

Utah Valley

Grand Canyon

10/9/2016 2:53:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score WSOC vs. Utah Valley Photo Gallery Photo Gallery

By: Jake Hernandez

PHOENIX – The Grand Canyon women's soccer team defeated Utah Valley 2-1 in double overtime on Sunday afternoon off a game-winning goal from Madison Cox in the 107th minute. The Lopes improve to 5-8 on the season and 1-1 in WAC play. GCU out-shot UVU 14-10 with five on goal.

How it Happened:
After a scoreless first half, the Wolverines struck first as junior Sydney Fitzpatrick found the back of the net in the 70th minute. After a beautiful pass and assist by teammate Kalli Suesue set up a one-on-one chance, Fitzpatrick executed and scored her second goal of the season.

The Lopes quickly responded as Milla Benedetti's assist set up Maria Monterroso for her second goal on the season and the equalizer in the 73rd minute. Already with a team-leading 13 points on the season, Benedetti now ranks first on the team in goals (5) and is tied with McKenzie Cook in assists (3).

On the hot Sunday afternoon, the two teams battled for the remaining 17 minutes in a 1-1 draw as 90 minutes was not enough and they headed to overtime. With only one shot a piece in the first overtime, the match proceeded to double overtime where the deciding goal would be issued. After a UVU foul, Cook took the free kick with a beautiful cross to set up a header and game-winning goal for Madison Cox in the 107th minute. The goal was Cox's third on the season, tying her season total from a year ago.

GCU out-shot UVU 14-10 with five on goal. Grand Canyon's backline was held with a tough task against the Wolverines offense as UVU had five shots on goal, resulting in four saves for Lopes' goalkeeper Blakely Fraasch.

Lopes Quotes:
Head Coach Derek Leader
"It was a great win for our team against last year's conference champions. Overall, it was a tough weekend for us but we were able to utilize a lot of players that have not had a chance to play. We were glad to get the win. Two tremendous goals – the first one from Maria (Monterroso) was superb and her second on the season and the second goal in overtime was just fantastic – from the service from McKenzie (Cook) with the finish from Madison (Cox). We are looking forward to the rest of the season and the trip next week."

Up Next:
The Lopes will continue WAC play next weekend as they travel for a pair of matches against UMKC on Friday, Oct. 14 and Chicago State on Sunday, Oct. 16.