GCU falls 1-0 in Riverside

Sunday, October 12

Riverside, Calif.

5 p.m.

Grand Canyon

8-3-1, 2-1-0

California Baptist

6-2-3, 1-1-1

Grand Canyon

California Baptist

10/12/2025 7:41:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Lopes' Diouf took no shots; squads combine for 38 fouls

By: Nick Macdonald

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Grand Canyon men's soccer fell for the first time since Sept. 14 in a 1-0 defeat at California Baptist on Sunday evening.

News and notes

GCU's four-match winning streak and five-match unbeaten streak ended as the Lopes move to 8-3-1 overall and 2-1 in WAC play.
The loss was the first in WAC play for GCU, which is now tied for second in the standings with four conference games to play. Six of eight teams advance to the WAC Tournament in Riverside, California, on Nov. 9-15.
Lopes freshman forward Junior Diouf, who was named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Midseason Watch List last week, was held without a shot for the first time this season. GCU totaled seven shots and four shots on goal for the evening.
GCU graduate goalkeeper Daniel Ibarra made five saves for his fifth game totaling four or more stops this season.

Physicality was the theme at CBU Soccer Stadium on Sunday, with 38 fouls and seven yellow cards called between the two teams. Both offenses were halted from any momentum as 16 of the 38 fouls were called in the first half. GCU's first shot came in the 11th minute via junior midfielder Felipe Cobian, who led the squad with three shots and two shots on goal.

California Baptist (6-2-3, 1-1-1 WAC) nearly scored in the 42nd minute, but the shot was stopped by a diving Ibarra, whose deflection went to the goal line where Cobian cleared the ball before a second attempt could be made.

The Lancers found the lone goal with 16 seconds remaining in the first half. Off a corner kick, the CBU cross was headed into the goal by William Lawson.

Despite a season-low seven shots, four were on goal with three of them in the second half. Saves were made without a rebounding chance from Lancer goalie Hugo Do Rego. Junior midfielder Martin Luala kept the match at 1-0 in the 67th minute, heading a would-be goal behind him and out of play 3 yards from the net.

GCU takes nearly a week between games before returning to action Saturday night against San José State (8-3-2, 1-2 WAC) at GCU Stadium. It's one of three games remaining in Phoenix, where GCU owns a 7-1 record.