Lopes allow second-half goal in loss to UNM

Sunday, September 11

Albuquerque, N.M.

5 p.m.

Grand Canyon

2-3-0, 0-0-0WAC

New Mexico

-420, 000 CUSA

Grand Canyon

New Mexico

9/11/2016 8:15:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

By: Josh Hauser

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The Grand Canyon men's soccer team found themselves in a defensive battle against New Mexico on Sunday evening as they played in their fourth consecutive 1-0 match. The Lobos scored early in the second half and despite GCU's offense putting up 15 shots, the Lopes fell to UNM 1-0 to conclude the weekend. GCU is now 2-3-0 this year.

After the first 45 minutes yielded a scoreless tie, the Lobos struck 10 minutes into the second half. New Mexico's Niko Hansen split two Lopes defenders, dribbled in close proximity of the goal and stuck the ball in the lower right-hand corner of the net.

GCU offered its rebuttal with five shots through the remainder of the contest. Of the five shots, two were on target. One opportunity came in the 89th minute as Alex Halis' shot from the top of the box was saved by the keeper. The Lopes were aggressive through the final seconds, not allowing the Lobos to simply run out the clock. Grand Canyon had an opportunity as late as the 90th minute when a header shot by Niki Jackson off of a GCU corner kick was also saved by New Mexico's goalkeeper.

The Lopes had a pair of shots on goal in the first half as well. In the 10th minute, Jackson fired a shot from the close right wing that was saved. Nearly 30 minutes later, Aidan McGlothan had an on-target opportunity that was also saved.

While both clubs took 15 shots, seven of New Mexico's were on goal compared to just four for Grand Canyon. The Lopes led in corner kick opportunities 5-2.

Jackson once again led GCU in shots, taking five on the night with two on target. Halis and Damian German each took three shots.

Grand Canyon returns home for a streak of four consecutive home games, capped off by the beginning of WAC play. First up on the upcoming homestand is a date with IUPUI on Thursday evening. Kickoff from GCU Stadium is set for 7 p.m.