GCU comes up short, losing 2-1, in OT against Pacific

Sunday, September 18

Phoenix, Ariz.

7:00 p.m.

Grand Canyon

3-4-0

Pacific

5-2-0

OT 2

Pacific

Grand Canyon

9/18/2016 9:42:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

By: Samantha Fell

PHOENIX – For the first time this season, the Grand Canyon men's soccer team had a match go into overtime but the Pacific Tigers (5-2-0) were able to come out on top with the 2-1 victory. The Lopes fall to 3-4-0 this season.

"I thought both teams were pretty equal but for them to be on our field and beat us is very disappointing," head coach Schellas Hyndman said. "It was a physical game but I am proud of the way we fought back to tie the game."

Niki Jackson came close to giving the Lopes an early 1-0 lead with a shot inside the box off a beautiful pass from Hector Montalvo but Pacific's goalkeeper, Anthony Orendain, came up with a save. Although GCU got off to a solid start with three shots in the first 15 minutes, Pacific was the first to jump on the scoreboard with a goal in the 16th minute. Julio Cervantes received a ball from Camden Riley and Cervantes headed the ball for the 1-0 lead. The remainder of the half was a battle, with the Lopes out shooting the Tigers 5-3. Despite leading in shot attempts, GCU entered the locker room scoreless.

In the second half, Jackson crossed the ball in the box to Alexandros Halis who put it away for a goal in the 54th minute. The score tied the game at 1-1 and gave the Lopes second-half momentum.

As the match progress, the fouls between both teams continued to pile up and Pacific's Colli Bettencourt was issued a red card in the 87th minute, leaving GCU with the one-man advantage on the field. However, Jaime Olabarria received a red card of his own in the 89th minute to even the sides. Neither team was able to capitalize as the seconds ticked down and regulation time ended with a 1-1 tie.

In overtime, GCU's goalkeeper, Kendyl Day, made a leaping save on a corner kick in the first minute of overtime to keep GCU alive. Seven minutes later, Pacific scored a goal from the right side of the box for the 2-1 victory.

Until the final shot of the game, statistics between GCU and Pacific were nearly even as the Tigers ended up with 12 shots for the match compared to 11 for the Lopes. Day recorded three saves for GCU and Halis led the team with three shots. Jackson ended the match with two shots, with one on goal, and one assist to end the weekend with seven points.

Next up, the Lopes will face Portland at home on Thursday, September 22. The game will begin at 7 p.m. at GCU Stadium.