Defense steps up in victory over Incarnate Word

Friday, October 13

Phoenix, Ariz.

4:00 p.m.

Grand Canyon

6-6, 3-1

Incarnate Word

3-8-1, 1-4

Incarnate Word

Grand Canyon

10/13/2017 5:42:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

Lopes limit Cardinals to 6 shots, none on goal

By: Josh Hauser

PHOENIX - Charlie Keating scored a goal and assisted on a goal while Niki Jackson scored for the fourth consecutive match and the Lopes cruised to a 2-0 win over Incarnate Word at GCU Stadium on Friday afternoon. Grand Canyon reached the .500 mark overall while improving to 5-1 at home and 3-1 in conference action.

The Lopes defense limited Incarnate Word to 6 shots, none on target, in their fourth shutout victory of the season. Just two-thirds of the way through the season, GCU set a program Division I record for shutout wins in a season.

"I was really pleased with the defense and how well we worked," head coach Schellas Hyndman said. "I thought Charlie had a really good game. I thought we moved the ball really well in the first half."

Both of GCU's scores came within moments of one another in the first half.

Keating got the Lopes on the board in the 14th minute with his third score of the season. Marco Afonso keyed a free kick from near the midfield circle. The kick got through to the face of the goal and, after Aidan McGlothan jostled with a defender for possession, Keating swooped in and sent the ball to the back of the net.

The Havocs' first goal celebration hadn't even fizzled out before the Lopes struck again. After a flurry of quick touches, Alex Radilla sent the ball to Keating who found Jackson. The Lopes' forward hammered a ball towards the keeper from the top of the box and, after nicking the keeper, the ball found the net.

From that point it was hang-on time for the Lopes. While getting some good looks offensively, GCU stuck at two goals. It was the defense's job to win the game.

"There's a reason why 2-0 is a dangerous score in soccer," Hyndman said. "If the opponent gets a goal, then they get the momentum. We had some great chances."

The defense stepped up to the plate, setting a season best for fewest shots by an opponent. It was the first time since Sept. 15 vs. IUPUI last season that the Lopes did not allow a single shot attempt on goal.

GCU out-shot Incarnate Word 16-6 including 4 off the foot of Jackson with 3 on target.

Grand Canyon takes to the road for the next three matches. The Lopes take on UTRGV on Sunday at 11 a.m. MST on the WAC Digital Network.