Lopes fall to California Baptist

Sunday, October 1

Riverside, Calif.

6 p.m. (Phoenix time)

Grand Canyon

5-4-1, 0-1-0

California Baptist

3-4-2, 1-0-0

Grand Canyon

California Baptist

10/1/2023 8:35:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score BOX SCORE

Five match unbeaten streak snapped

By: Nick Macdonald

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Grand Canyon men's soccer team fell, 3-0, to California Baptist in its WAC opener Sunday evening at CBU Soccer Stadium.

The loss snaps a five-match unbeaten streak dating back to Sept. 8. GCU's record moves to 5-4-1 overall and 0-1 in conference play.

California Baptist (3-4-2, 1-0 WAC) scored its first goal in the 12th minute via Leo Mendez. Mendez met junior goalkeeper Leon Schmidt atop the 18-yard box and dribbled past the goalie to his left, who put it on frame for the goal. It marked the third time all season – and first time since Denver Aug. 27th - the Lopes gave up the first goal of the match. It was also the first time since that Denver game GCU allowed a first half goal.

The Lancers added a second goal in the first half in the 28th minute off a corner kick and took a 2-0 lead into the break. Schmidt totaled three saves for the half as GCU had two shots through the first 45 minutes.

The Lopes totaled six shots and had three corners in the second half, but chances were limited inside the box as the Lancers added their third goal in the 89th minute. It marked only the second time all season without a goal.

Schmidt registered five saves for the evening, the eighth time this season with five or more saves in a game. Freshman Solo Bidanessy led the Lopes in shots with three.

GCU returns home for two straight games, the first coming Thursday, Oct. 5 against nationally ranked Seattle U. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m.