MOSCOW, Idaho — Grand Canyon dropped the first leg of its Pacific Northwest road trip with a 1-0 loss at Idaho on Thursday night in the turfed Kibbie Dome.
A match between teams that have shown the ability to score goals in multiple ways finished 90 minutes of play with just one score, which came in the sixth minute.
Idaho's Calli Chiarelli got a look on goal that forwards dream of, stealing GCU goalkeeper
Emma Knack's clearance that was misplayed and sent right to the senior forward. Chiarelli took a couple dribbles and fired a shot to an almost unguarded goal to take the early lead.
The Lopes proceeded to finish the match without a shot on goal, only the second time in the Chris Cissell coaching era, dating back to the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance at No. 3 USC.
Other than the early-minute mishap, the GCU defense tidied up and kept the Lopes in the match until the very end, only allowing three more shots on frame, all of which were taken care of by Knack.
With its third consecutive win, Idaho (5-1-1) beat the Lopes for the first time after falling to GCU in Phoenix last season. Vandals goalkeeper Paula Flores earned her 22nd career shutout.
Grand Canyon (3-2-2) ends a three-match unbeaten streak with the loss but will look to get back on track against a well-rested, red-hot Eastern Washington on Sunday in Cheney, Washington.
After winning their first five matches of the season, the Eagles lost 2-0 to Wyoming at home Sunday.
GCU will get back on a grass field and look to earn a victory before a three-match homestand that will carry into conference play.