Completed Event: Men's Soccer versus Eastern Arizona on August 16, 2025 ,
M Soccer
vs Eastern Arizona
Grand Canyon University Athletics
Monday, September 8
Phoenix, Ariz.
7 p.m.
Grand Canyon
vs
Santa Clara
Homestand closes Monday night versus Santa Clara
9/7/2025 11:44:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Diouf set to return to lineu as Lopes look for 4th win to open season
AT A GLANCE
- The Lopes close out their five game homestand Monday evening against WCC opponent Santa Clara. It is a rematch of last year's 1-1 result in Santa Clara a season ago.
- The match is the second of two straight that will be broadcast on Arizona's Family Sports. Check local listings in the link on the schedule page on how to tune in.
- Freshman Junior Diouf returns to action after sitting out one game due to a red card against Sacramento State. Despite a missed game, he still ranks tied for first in the WAC goals (4) and points (9). Diouf is also 11th in the nation in shots per game (4.33) and shots on goal per game (2.00).
- GCU has tied their home win total from 2024 four games into the 2025 season. The Lopes are 48-24-6 at GCU Stadium since its opening in 2016 and have won 12 games at home since the 2023 campaign.
- The Lopes have recorded four straight games with double-digit shot totals, the first time since Nov. 6, 2021 to Nov. 18, 2021 the squad has tallied double figure shot attempts in four straight games in the same season. GCU had 10 shots against SMU Thursday, all of which came in the second half.
- GCU's defense is second in the conference in goals against average (1.00). While the Lopes have yet to have a shutout, it has never allowed more than one goal in a game so far this season.Â
- Junior midfielder Jorge Lopez tallied his first assist of the season in GCU's 2-1 win over Sacramento State, putting his career total to nine. Lopez is now tied for fifth with Bright Nutornutsi for career assists in the program's D-I era.Â
- The Lopes offense is averaging 5.50 corner kicks per game, third best in the WAC. Thursday's contest against SMU was the first game this season having fewer corner kicks attempted than its opponent (2/3).
LAST TIME OUT
- GCU fell for the first time in 2025 in a 1-0 defeat to SMU.Â
- The Lopes were without star forward Junior Diouf, who was out due to a red card ban obtained during the Sacramento State contest.Â
- After zero first half shots, GCU's second half flurry of 10 shots pressed the Mustangs, who were preseason No. 5 in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll, but were unable to net the equalizer.Â
SCOUTING SANTA CLARA
- The Broncos are 2-1-2 entering Phoenix Monday evening and winners of two straight, both of by shutout as they have outscored their opposition 5-0 in that span.Â
- Santa Clara is 1-0-1 against common opponents, defeating Sacramento State 3-0 and tying Cleveland State 1-1, opponents GCU bested earlier in the season. The Broncos are coming off a 2-0 victory over WAC school San Diego State Friday.Â
- The Broncos have outscored their opponents 8-4, allowing 0.80 goals per game. Goalkeepr Jackson Ozburn has 16 saves in five starts this season.Â
- The offense has had six different goal scorers this season, led by Nik Berkovitz, who has three goals and an assist to lead the squad with seven points.Â
WHAT'S NEXT?Â
- GCU takes nearly a week off and resumes play Sunday, Sept. 14 at CSU Fullerton for its first road contest of the season.Â
- The Lopes, after starting the season with five straight home matches, remain on the road and face UC Santa Barbara Sept. 21, next, with their next home match Sept. 26 vs. CSUN.
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Players Mentioned
Kendra Potts Post Match Press Conference | GCU vs NAU 9.7.25
Monday, September 08
"Your Life Arizona" Featuring Vice President of Athletics Jamie Boggs
Friday, September 05
Kaleb Smith | Media Availability | 9.3.25
Thursday, September 04
Dusty Stromer | Media Availability | 9.3.25
Thursday, September 04