Stifling defense limits GCU

Thursday, September 20

Phoenix, Ariz.

7 p.m.

Grand Canyon

3-4

Akron

3-3-1

Akron

Grand Canyon

9/20/2018 9:50:00 PM | Men's Soccer

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Lopes handed 1st home loss of season

By: Josh Hauser

The Grand Canyon men's soccer team fell victim to a smothering Akron defense in a 1-0 loss at GCU Stadium on Thursday night.

The Lopes (3-4) were held to a season-low three shots and could not find an equalizer goal despite their defense holding Akron (3-3-1) scoreless for the final 85 minutes.

"It was a defense that was no-nonsense," said GCU head coach Schellas Hyndman, who noted that the Akron defense was the best his team has seen this season. "They didn't make any mistakes for us to capitalize on."

The match's first shot resulted in a goal as Akron intercepted a pass from a GCU defender to create the scoring opportunity. Zips leading goal-scorer David Egbo netted his seventh goal of the season when he placed a ball perfectly in the upper-left corner of the frame.

On a handful of occasions, GCU worked its way into the attacking third with a promising play developing. But a few mishit balls and turnovers ended attacks prematurely.

"We're not hitting on all cylinders right now," Hyndman said. "We have a good, good pass, but then we turn it over. Whenever we thought we were going to get something, we just had a missed pass or something."

Some of GCU's more notable opportunities came when Jackson Jellah, Marco Afonso and Josh Drack carried possessions into the attacking third. However, a swarming Akron defense thwarted the opportunities without allowing a shot.

"It wasn't just a good defense from Akron," Hyndman said. "It was good overall play. They didn't give us a lot of opportunities. Whenever they were put under pressure, they were able to deal with it."

The Lopes countered with a solid defensive effort, limiting the Zips to three shots on goal. Redshirt freshman goalkeeper George Tasouris made two saves.

Nonconference play is now in the Lopes' rearview mirror with a short turnaround before Sunday's WAC opener at Incarnate Word at 5 p.m. (Phoenix time).

"We need to get back to our winning ways," Hyndman said. "It's just doing the right things over and over again. I can't be disappointed with the work ethic. The guys are giving us everything they have."