No. 25 Lopes show grit in 2-1 win

Thursday, October 28

Irvine, Calif.

7 p.m.

Grand Canyon

13-2-0, 8-1-0

California Baptist

10-3-3, 5-2-2

Grand Canyon

California Baptist

Photo by: CBU Athletics

10/28/2021 10:28:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

GCU takes sole possession of 1st place by winning at CBU

By: Sierra Smith

IRVINE, Calif. — The No. 25 Grand Canyon men's soccer team took down a tough California Baptist team 2-1 on the road Thursday night and moved into sole possession of first place in the WAC.

The Lopes improved to 8-1 in WAC play, taking a one-game lead on Air Force after the Falcons lost 3-0 to Utah Valley. Each team has two remaining regular-season games, including a GCU finale at Air Force on Nov. 6. The Lopes' 13-2 mark sets a Division I-era record for wins and is the program's highest victory total since 2012.

"This was a tough match against a very good opponent," GCU head coach Leonard Griffin said. "I'm obviously happy with the result but even more proud of the togetherness of the group and our defensive tenacity to not concede a second goal."

GCU junior midfielder Cameron Weller gave the Lopes a 1-0 advantage at the 14:02 mark. HIs sixth goal in the past six games was assisted by junior striker Shaun-Chris Joash.

California Baptist (10-3-3, 5-2-2 WAC) tied the game in the 36th minute, as WAC leading scorer Bryan Iliohan put the ball by GCU goalkeeper Anthony Munoz for his 12th goal of the season.

In a physical second half, the Lopes and Lancers combined for six yellow cards and California Baptist also received two red cards.

With just two shots in the second half, GCU's fifth-year midfielder Justin Rasmussen was able to net his eighth goal of the season, giving the Lopes a 2-1 lead in the 57th minute. Fifth-year midfielder Tosh Yasuda earned his first assist of the season on the goal by Rasmussen, who has the highest season goal total since Niki Jackson scored 11 in 2017.

The Lopes were outshot by the Lancers 14-8, with eight of the CBU shots coming in the second half. In goal, Munoz made a career-high tying seven saves to keep the Lopes on top and helping them move to 13-2 on the year.

"There's still plenty of room to improve but for this time of the season we are in a good spot," Griffin said. "We'll continue to take it one game at a time and prepare for another tough match against UVU."

Up next, GCU heads to Utah Valley for another tough match before heading to Air Force the following Saturday.