Lopes overpower UIC in 4-0 shutout

Sunday, September 11

Flagstaff, Ariz.

11:00 a.m.

Grand Canyon

3-5

UIC

1-5-2

Team	1	2	Final F
Grand Canyon	1	3	4
Illinois-Chicago	0	0	0

9/11/2016 1:17:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Imani Suber

FLAGSTAFF - The Grand Canyon women's soccer team defeated UIC 4-0 Sunday afternoon on the final day of the NAU Mountain Classic. GCU outshot the Flames 16-to-6 and collected its third shutout of the season. McKenzie Cook led the squad with three shots, with a trio on target and one goal.

How it Happened:

GCU started the contest off aggressive matching the Flames step for step. In the sixth minute the Lopes were awarded a penalty kick after being fouled in the box. Anyssa De Vera blasted the ball past the UIC goal keeper to put the Lopes on the board, garnering her second career goal in the process. While GCU controlled time of possession through the first part of the half, the Flames turned on their offensive pressure rattling off six shots with two on target in the latter minutes of the period. Blakely Fraasch laid out for a crucial save to help GCU keep the advantage. In the final seconds of the half, the Flames were handed a red card after GCU's Maria Monterroso went down after being kicked by UIC's Jasmine Carrera.

The Lopes opened up the second half on fire, playing physical on both sides of the ball. Milla Benedetti broke free after eluding a pair of UIC defenders and fired off a strong shot that hit the top of the goal before falling into the back of the net for the second goal of the match. GCU continued to apply its smothering offense and garnered a corner kick at the 60th minute. Fiona Samodurov's corner kick was dropped by the UIC goal keeper inches from the goal line and Brylee Hawkins was there to push the ball in the net. The Lopes extended their lead to 3-0 in the 60th minute.

While GCU's offensive pressure forced a UIC goal keeper change in the 71st minute, the Lopes were awarded a free kick in the 77th minute. Cook came up big for the Lopes hitting a bomb from an estimated 25 yards out for the fourth goal and iced the match.

Lopes Notes:

The Lopes improve to 3-5-0 on the season.
Milla Benedetti garnered her third goal of the season and now leads the teams in goals.
GCU collected their third shutout of the year.
Brylee Hawkins and Anyssa De Vera picked up their second goals of the season.
The Lopes converted a penalty kick for the first time this season.
McKenzie Cook scored her first goal of the season off a free kick from an estimated 25 yards out.
GCU has defeated opponents by a four-goal or more margin for the second time this year.
The Lopes picked up their first ever win in the NAU Mountain Classic.