Facing an experienced team that went to nationals a year ago, the new-look
Grand Canyon University Women's Club Soccer team held its own against Arizona State University Sun Devils in the regular season opener Saturday at Colter Field, losing 1-0 after a 79
th-minute ASU score.
In the opening 45 minutes, both teams battled to a scoreless draw, with defenses dominating the action. ASU came out strong in the second half, applying pressure and taking more shots on goal, but GCU goalkeeper
Kylie Martin responded with key saves and timely clearances. Late in the game, ASU found their groove, cashing in on a perfectly timed header from forward Sydney Sventek to take a 1-0 lead with 11 minutes left to play. Despite a late GCU offensive push, ASU remained solid and compact on defense, securing its first win of the regular season.
"We were unlucky in the last ten minutes of the game," said Lopes' Head Coach Vanessa Leyva on the
Varsity Sports Show live stream after the game. "That little mistake in our back line is something we can work on and build off of moving into the rest of the season."
This is the first season with the Lopes for Leyva, who is only the third head coach in program history.
GCU will look for their first win of the season on the road against the Lumberjacks of Northern Arizona University this Saturday, September 21
st in Flagstaff.
