Lopes return home against Wildcats, Texans

Friday, October 14

Phoenix, Ariz.

7 p.m.

Grand Canyon

Abilene Christian

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10/13/2022 1:31:00 PM | Women's Soccer

GCU looks to turn recent deluge of shots into more goals after 1-0-1 trip

By: Jerob Moon


Grand Canyon Lopes (5-5-2, 1-3-1 WAC)	vs.	Abilene Christian Wildcats (4-5-3, 0-3-2 WAC)	Tarleton Texans (4-5-3, 0-3-2 WAC)
		Friday, Oct. 14 7 p.m.	Sunday, Oct. 16 1 p.m.
Match Notes		Live Video Live Stats	Live Video Live Stats

Fresh off an unbeaten road trip that featured a pair of shutouts, the Grand Canyon women's soccer team returns to GCU Stadium for a pair of WAC matches against Abilene Christian and Tarleton.

Both matches will be streamed live on ESPN+.

THREE THINGS TO KNOW

GOURLEY GAME-WINNER: GCU's best offensive player, junior Gianna Gourley, delivered yet another game-winning goal for the Lopes on Sunday. Against Stephen F. Austin, Gourley's early goal in the 18th minute was the eventual game-winning goal as the GCU defense shut down the Lumberjacks. Gourley continues to lead the WAC in scoring with eight goals while leading the Lopes with three game-winning goals.
LIGHTS-OUT DEFENSE: The Lopes' defense put in their best showings of the season over the weekend with back-to-back shutouts. While the offense was rolling with 53 shots taken, the defense allowed just nine shots, including only one on goal, across both games. Along with stopping shots, GCU was able to limit set pieces by allowing just three corner kicks over the weekend.
FINAL ROAD TRIP UPCOMING: After the Lopes take on Abilene Christian and Tarleton, they will head out on the final road trip of the regular season. GCU will face Utah Tech on Oct. 21 before traveling just 45 miles to WAC newcomer Southern Utah on Oct. 23. Both matches are important with the Trailblazers and the Thunderbirds occupying two of the top three spots in the conference standings.

SCOUTING

Abilene Christian is still looking for its first WAC win of the season. After starting WAC play with two straight draws, the Wildcats have lost three straight, two of those defeats coming by one goal. ACU has spread goal scoring across the whole lineup with eight players registering a goal this year. Senior Jordan Michie and sophomore Chayse Thorn lead the team with four goals and nine points.

Tarleton is amid its first women's soccer season in school history and the Texans have had a solid effort. In front of 2,500 fans in its inaugural home match in August, Tarleton defeated Arkansas Pine-Bluff 6-0 and have boasted a 3-1-2 home record. The Texans are looking to break a winless streak that dates back to Sept. 9 when it plays Friday at California Baptist before traveling to Phoenix. Freshman Mila Bettinelli leads the team with four goals and nine points.