Lopes fall to Oklahoma, 3-1

Sunday, September 18

Phoenix, Ariz.

1:00 p.m.

Grand Canyon

3-6-0

Oklahoma

7-2-1

Team	1	2	Final F
OU	0	3	3
Grand Canyon	1	0	1

9/18/2016 3:43:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Imani Suber

PHOENIX – The Grand Canyon women's soccer team fell to Oklahoma, 3-1 Sunday afternoon. While the Lopes netted a goal in the first half and held the Sooners to just five shots and no attempts on goal in the first, GCU wasn't able to overcome the Sooners strong offensive attack in the second half.

Milla Benedetti led the team with a pair of shots and one goal.

How it Happened:
The Lopes made the most of their first opportunity of the match as Benedetti fired off GCU's first shot of the day and it resulted in a goal. Benedetti received the ball on the left side of the 18-yard box where she was able to take her defender one-on-one and struck the ball for a goal to the near-post to give GCU the early 1-0 lead in the 17th minute.

As the battle continued throughout the first half, Oklahoma tried to break down GCU's back-line but the Lopes were able to hold the Sooners to just five shots in the first half with no attempts on goal.

In the second half, Oklahoma's offense quickly responded and scored five minutes into the period as Lizzie Luallin tied the match at 1-1. While GCU tried to keep the defensive pressure on, the Sooners snagged the lead eleven minutes later off a goal from Liz Keester to go up 2-1.

Although the Lopes were physical and battled to maintain a defensive edge, in the final minute of the match Keester added another goal and sealed the Oklahoma victory at 3-1.

Lopes Notes:

Benedetti recorded her fourth goal of the season and has scored a goal in each of the last two games.

Lopes Quotes:
Head Coach Derek Leader
"There were moments where we were very good, we executed and followed the plan. But, if you let down for moments on the field, a quality side will make you pay and Oklahoma is very good."

Up Next:
The Lopes close out their non-conference home slate on Friday, Sept. 23 as they welcome Cal State Bakersfield in a non-conference matchup. Match time is set for 7 p.m. MST.