Lopes fight back for hard-earned draw

Thursday, August 24

Tucson, Ariz.

7 p.m.

Grand Canyon

1-1-1, 0-0-0

Arizona

0-1-1, 0-0-0

Grand Canyon

Arizona

Photo by: Sebastian Molinar

8/24/2023 9:35:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

Gourley scores 30th GCU career goal in tie

By: Jerob Moon

TUCSON, Ariz. — The Grand Canyon women's soccer team overcame a 1-0 halftime deficit to draw 1-1 at Arizona on Thursday night.

The Lopes regrouped after a shot-less first half to come out strong in the second half and tie the match in the 64th minute, when senior forward Gianna Gourley scored her 30th career GCU goal. Gourley had an opportunity to win the game, but her penalty kick with 32 seconds left was saved to preserve the tie.

"What a crazy game tonight," Lopes head coach Chris Cissell said. "It was a tale of two halves, and just being perfectly honest, we got our butts kicked in the first half. They really took it to us, and then we had a really nice talk at halftime and made some really good adjustments. I am really proud of our team to come here to Arizona, play against such a good team and fight back in the second half."

Arizona (0-1-1) came out strong in its home opener. In front of 1,200 fans that included a strong Lope Nation contingent, the Wildcats exploded for 12 shots in the first half and took a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute. Despite falling behind, GCU junior goalkeeper DeAira Jackson stepped up and made seven saves in the first half.

After some halftime adjustments, the Lopes (1-1-1) picked up the intensity to outshoot the Wildcats 7-6 in the second half and take advantage of their three shots on goal. In the 64th minute, off an Arizona turnover, GCU midfielder Leah Pirro found a streaking Gourley down the right side and the senior took the ball the final two-thirds of the field.

Once in the box, Gourley had her initial shot blocked but stayed with it and fired the ball past the goalkeeper. It was only the second shot on goal for the Lopes and the match was tied at 1-1.

The Lopes tightened up on the back line after Gourley's goal, allowing just four Wildcat shots (none on goal) in the final 27 minutes.

Late in the match, the Lopes had an opportunity to beat Arizona for the second straight year after Gourley was fouled in the penalty box and took a penalty kick. Gourley's shot was on target but a diving save by Arizona graduate goalkeeper Hope Hisey kept the tie intact.

"I'm not one to get excited about ties," Cissell said. "But when we come here on the road and get a result like that against such a good team, I'm super proud of the team. I think it shows our character, our core values, it shows what a soccer family we are. We fight for each other, battle for each other and do whatever it took to get the result."

The Lopes are unbeaten in the last two regular-season matches against the Wildcats while also picking up a pair of draws in exhibition matches over the last three seasons.

GCU returns home to take on former conference opponent CSU Bakersfield on Sunday at 1 p.m. at GCU Stadium.