Late goal costs Lopes

Friday, September 30

Phoenix, Ariz.

7 p.m.

Grand Canyon

4-4-1, 0-2-0

Seattle U

5-5-2, 2-1-1

Seattle U

Grand Canyon

9/30/2022 10:15:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

GCU battled in 1-0 home loss to Seattle U

By: Jerob Moon

The Grand Canyon women's soccer team was back in action on Friday night and dropped a 1-0 match to Seattle U at GCU Stadium.

GCU (4-4-1, 0-2 WAC) battled Seattle U in a scoreless game until the Redhawks (5-5-2, 2-2-1) scored a late goal in the 82nd minute that ended up being the difference in a close conference match.

In their first action in 13 days, the Lopes had opportunities to take an early lead with a shot by junior forward Gianna Gourley that was saved in the 24th minute. Just under a minute later, fellow forward Bekah Valdez took a long shot outside the penalty box that hit the crossbar.

It was another match that GCU outshot its opponent, recording 18 shots to Seattle U's 10, while also holding a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal. In the second half, the Lopes took 11 shots and Seattle U goalkeeper Jessica Berlin recorded four saves.

The Redhawks scored the game-winning goal off a free kick in the short corner. Redhawk midfielder Emily Bunnell curled the ball into the box and it was headed into the far right corner by U'i Kaaihue. GCU recorded a shot and a corner kick in the following possession but was unable to find an equalizer.

In the other goal, graduate Shantel Hutton made her second start of the season and made a pair of saves. Offensively, Gourley led the Lopes with four shots and one on goal. Sophomore defender Destinee Duran-Wise was involved in the offense with a season-high four shots.

The Lopes will be back in action on Sunday at 7 p.m. against Utah Valley in GCU Stadium.