Lopes fall to Weber State 2-0

Friday, August 26

Ogden, Utah

2:30 p.m.

Grand Canyon

0-3-0

Weber State

1-1-0

Grand Canyon

Weber State

8/26/2016 4:46:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Imani Suber

OGDEN, Utah - The Grand Canyon women's soccer team fell 2-0 to Weber State Friday afternoon. The Lopes fell short despite a 0-0 half time score. Junior Milla Benedetti led GCU with four shots through 79 minutes played.

How it Happened:
While the Lopes outshot Weber State 14 to 11, the Wildcats pulled ahead in the second half by scoring a pair of goals. The Lopes had their opportunities throughout the contest, but couldn't capitalize and lost to Weber State.

GCU started the match with offensive fire power. They rattled over eight shots in the first half. The backline allowed just two shots and GK Blakely Fraasch came up with two saves to keep the match even. Forwards Benedetti and McKenzie Cook led the charge with two shots a piece, while Brylee Hawkins, Taylor Layton, Kelsey Smith and Shannon Costello all had shots in the half. A Weber State blocked shot at the end of the period, kept the score at 0-0 going into the half.

Nine minutes into the second half, Weber State scored at the 54th minute and took the lead at 1-0. GCU's Rachel Mina responded with a shot, but the Wildcats picked up a save. While Fraasch and the backline continued to make defensive stops, the Lopes intensified their offense and responded with three shots. GCU drew a corner kick at the 82nd minute, but Madison Wisely's header was wide. As the contest went back-and-forth the Wildcats scored their second goal at the 85th minute and extended the lead to 2-0. The Lopes continued to fire back as Cox took a header shot, but was unable to put the ball in the net. GCU's inability to convert opportunities on offense led to a Wildcat victory.

Lopes Notes:

The Lopes now look for their first win on Sunday at home.
Weber State continues to lead the all-time series at 2-0-0.
Benedetti led the team with four shots through 79 minutes played.
The Lopes outshot Weber State 14 to 11.
GCU collected 14 shots and Fraasch had four saves on the day.
Cook, Cox and Fiona Samodurov played all 90 minutes of today's match.

Lopes Quotes:
Head Coach Derek Leader
"This was the hardest we've played. We just need to execute and finish our chances. We really went for it at the end and unfortunately gave up the second goal."

Up Next:
GCU returns home Sunday, Aug. 28 to host UTEP in their GCU Stadium debut. Match time is set for 1 p.m. MST. Follow @GCU_WSOC for latest updates and news.