Inafuku seals road win with 1st goal

Sunday, September 30

Seattle, Wash.

1 p.m.

Grand Canyon

4-9-0, 1-0-0WAC

Seattle U

3-7-2, 1-1-0WAC

GCU

Seattle U

9/30/2018 3:05:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

GCU opens WAC play on top before 2-game homestand

By: Sarah Woodward

SEATTLE – Grand Canyon senior forward Sarah Inafuku's first collegiate goal was all the Lopes needed to open WAC play Sunday with a 1-0 win at Seattle U.

The Lopes won their conference opener for the first time in their Division I history, dating back to 2013, and earned their first road win of the season.

"We're ecstatic to get the win," GCU head coach Derek Leader said. "We've struggled to get a victory, especially on the road. It's been tough with the amount of injuries we've suffered, but the team has really gelled since we came home from Hawaii.

"The ladies played fantastic. To come up with a win on the road and especially against Seattle, arguably one of the best teams in the conference, makes us excited. Everybody played a big role. We even had a chance to go up 2-0 but we hit the under side of the crossbar."

Battling rainy conditions and a wet field, the pair fought for possession through a scoreless first half. GCU (4-9, 1-0 WAC) outshot Seattle 8-7 in the first 45 minutes. However, Seattle (3-7-2, 1-1 WAC) tallied 20 shots to the Lopes' 13.

In the 55th minute, Inafuku put the Lopes on the board with the eventual game-winning header goal off an assist from sophomore forward Camryn Larson.

GCU's offense was active, paced by three shots apiece from senior midfielders McKenzie Cook and Brylee Hawkins. Seven other Lopes fired a shot each, including Larson, Inafuku, Anna Whitaker, Hannah Edwards, Andrea Martinez, Carlie Bateman and Jennifer Pippin.

GCU senior goalkeeper Abby Burton made five saves and earned her second shutout of the season.

"We're thrilled to be traveling home so we can get ready for two games at home next weekend," Leader said. "We hope our fans will come out and support as we continue to fight."

The Lopes return home to face UT Rio Grande Valley at 7 p.m. Friday before closing the weekend at GCU Stadium with New Mexico State on Sunday at 1 p.m. Admission to all GCU women's soccer games is free.