The Grand Canyon University men's soccer team (2-13-1, 1-8-0) battled through wintery conditions, but dropped a 3-2 contest to Air Force Academy (3-9-5, 3-1-5) tonight at Cadet Soccer Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo. The game kicked off with temperatures below freezing at 29 degrees and ended with the thermometer at 25 degrees, with winds blowing bringing the feel to 19 degrees.

It was the ninth game decided by just one goal for GCU this season as the Falcons extended their unbeaten streak to six matches.

"This type of game has been the story of the season for our team," said head coach Petar Draksin. "We gave ourselves a chance by going up 2-0 early in the game, but that second goal gave them (Air Force) life. We really dug ourselves a hole at that point, and it seems like we can't catch a break. But the good side is that there is nothing to be ashamed of. The guys played their hearts out. The good story behind this team is that we are competing with everybody. I am very proud of this team."

Kyle Ciliento set the school record for most career goals after bringing his total with the 'Lopes to 56 following tonight's performance. He entered the game with 54 total goals and after two early scores, Ciliento surpassed Manoel Coehlo, who owned the previous record of 55, who did so from 1997-99.

"Kyle deserved both of those goals tonight," Draksin explained. "He has done a lot for our program, and breaking the record is awesome. I am happy for him. It means a lot to us and to him. Kyle solidified his spot in our history books. It took 14 years to break Manoel's record, and I bet it will take someone else just as long if not more to break Kyle's record."

Tonight was Ciliento's second two-goal game of the season, as he also did so in the regular season opener against Nebraska-Omaha, a 2-1 GCU win. Additionally, he reclaimed the team lead with six scores this season.

GCU goalkeeper Joshua Zehring matched his season-best with eight saves, a mark he set on Sept. 13 at Stanford.

Ciliento handed GCU an early 1-0 lead via a penalty kick in the 13^th minute following a Falcons foul in the box. He beat a Falcons defender into the box to draw the penalty and put the 'Lopes on the board.

Just over a minute later, Ciliento once again found the back of the net on a header from the left side. He was assisted by Alberto Sanchez Garcia en route to extending GCU's lead to 2-0 before 14 minutes had come off the clock.

The Falcons cut GCU's lead in half in the 29^th minute when Connor Dunbaker pushed the ball past Zehring on an assist from Blake Elder. Zehring had an impressive first half, collecting seven saves, one shy of his season-high.

Air Force outshot the 'Lopes 15-6 in the first half, putting eight of those on target. GCU had three shots on goal in the first 45 minutes.

The Falcons equalized the score at two when Cameron Duley headed a ball into the net from the front of the box. He was assisted by Alex Frazier and Brian Klazura in the 65^th minute for his first career goal. Air Force scored the game-winner with just over three minutes to play on a Gus Jensen goal. Duley picked up an assist on Jensen's shot from about 18 yards out to give the Falcons their first lead in the contest.

Both squads attempted seven shots in the final 45 minutes, although GCU held the slight advantage in shots on goal at 4-3.

Ciliento led the offensive effort for the 'Lopes, placing all three of his shots on goal. Jordan Slack added two shots that were on target.

"It is frustrating, but we have to look at the positive side that we are giving ourselves a chance in every game," added Draksin. "It is difficult to win when you make mistakes, but we are a competitive team, and we just have to keep fighting. The guys played a very good game tonight."

GCU will return home to face the Falcons in their last WAC contest this Friday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. It also marks the final home game of the 2013 season for the men's soccer team, as they will honor their senior class. Fans unable to attend can visit www.gculopes.com for links to live video and stats.

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