Men's soccer opens up WAC play against SJSU and UTRGV

FRIDAY, SEPT. 30
7 p.m. MST \| GCU Stadium \| Phoenix, Ariz.
SAN JOSE STATE SPARTANS 1-5-2 (0-0 WAC)	at	GRAND CANYON LOPES 3-5-0 (0-0 WAC) GAME NOTES
LIVE STATS \| LIVE VIDEO \| UNIVISION RADIO LISTEN HERE
	GCU
SUNDAY, OCT. 2
11 a.m. MST \| UTRGV Soccer & Track Complex \| Edinburg, Texas
GRAND CANYON LOPES 3-5-0 (0-0 WAC) GAME NOTES	at	UT RIO GRANDE VALLEY VAQUEROS 2-4-1 (0-0 WAC)
LIVE STATS \| LIVE VIDEO

PHOENIX – Conference season officially kicks off this weekend for the Grand Canyon men's soccer team as GCU will face San Jose State and UT Rio Grande Valley. It will be a unique way to open Western Athletic Conference play as the Lopes will host SJSU before making the quick trip to Edinburg, Texas to face the Vaqueros on the road.

The Lopes are looking to snap a two-match losing streak heading into conference. Last year, the Lopes went 1-1-0 against SJU and UTRGV, winning at home against the Vaqueros. Last season, GCU opened up WAC play against UTRGV and after Alberto Sanchez Garcia scored late in the first half, GCU was able to hold onto the lead for the 1-0 victory. It was a different story last year against San Jose State arguably had its best game of the season against GCU. The Spartans blew out GCU 6-0 as Rory Knibbs tallied five points in the match, scoring two goals while adding an assist. So far this year, Knibbs, a WAC Preseason All-Conference Team selection, has scored one goal this year and is third on the team with 11 shots. Also a WAC preseason honoree for San Jose State is Jonathan Colunga as a midfielder is tied for the most points on the team with one goal and two assists for four points.

The Lopes continue to put up shots as they are second in the WAC with 13.38 shots per match but it has not always converted to goals, scoring the fifth most goals (10) in conference. Niki Jackson has continued his hot streak, as he has recorded a point in three straight matches and still leads the WAC with six goals. Despite giving up three goals to Portland in their last match, the Lopes still have the second lowest goals against average in the WAC allowing 1.24 goals a match. Friday's match at GCU Stadium can be seen on GCU.TV and the Lopes will be on the WAC Digital Network on Sunday.

Scouting San Jose State
The Spartans have not won a match since its season opener against Pacific, who GCU lost to on Sept. 18 in overtime. Scoring has been an issue for the Spartans, averaging 0.98 goals a match. During their non-conference schedule the Spartans had to do a lot of traveling, playing five of its eight matches on the road, having not won a match away from home. Each with four points Jeremy Romero, Andrew Mendoza and Jonathan Colunga lead SJSU in points while goalkeeper Nedin Tucakovic has posted a 2.00 goals against average with 45 saves.

Scouting UTRGV
The Vaqueros are currently on a four-match losing streak and have been shutout in three of those matches. UT Rio Grande Valley has struggled to score during non-conference with six goals coming from four different players. The defense hasn't struggled as they are tied with GCU for the second fewest goals allowed with 10. Leo Castillo and Esa Aalto have split time in goal for the Vaqueros with Castillo receiving more minutes. Both goalkeepers have recorded a shutout this season but Castillo has the better goals against average allowing 1.27 goals a game.

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Players Mentioned

Niki Jackson

Alberto Sanchez Garcia

Grand Canyon University Athletics