The Grand Canyon University men's soccer team (1-4-1) battled New Hampshire (5-2-0) for nearly 100 minutes before the Wildcats scored a sudden death goal to pick up the 1-0 win on Bremner Field in Durham, N.H. The win was the fifth in the past six games for New Hampshire, who are members of the America East Conference.

"One mistake, one goal, and that is the difference," said head coach Petar Draksin. "We just have to cross that bridge, and we have to start winning again. We can't settle for ties or losses. When you don't take care of business, you get punished at this level. We have been able to stay in these games, but we are not finishing. And you have to do that against a good team such as New Hampshire."

The Wildcats came out firing to open the contest, taking six shots, half of which were on target, in the first 16 minutes. GCU goalkeeper Joshua Zehring stopped each of those attempts and finished with four saves in the half as the score was locked at 0-0 following the first 45 minutes.

GCU attempted their first shot in the 19^th minute, a Gerrit Thomes ball that was saved by UNH keeper Travis Worra. The 'Lopes were responsible for five of the next seven shots over the remainder of the half, putting two of those on goal. The Wildcats narrowly outshot GCU, 8-6, in the first half as both teams also put half of their attempts on target.

Much like the first half, the Wildcats threatened offensively to open the second half and did not allow a GCU shot until nearly 20 minutes had expired off the clock. The 'Lopes had back-to-back chances in the box in the 80^th minute and continued to control the ball on offense until UNH's David Schlatter opened up a one-on-one opportunity with Zehring, but kicked the ball high over the crossbar in the 87^th minute.

With neither team finding the back of the net in regulation after attempting five shots each in the second half, the game was forced into overtime, the second time GCU has played extra minutes this season.

The Wildcats ended the game with just under three minutes remaining in the first overtime period, when Jesus Tudela scored from inside the box on an assist from Schlatter on UNH's third shot in extra time.

Zehring finished with five saves in the contest, while Alberto Sanchez Garcia led the 'Lopes offensively with three shot attempts, including one on goal. Kyle Summerhill, Jose Rodriguez Nieblas, and Thomes also put a shot on target for GCU. It was the second straight game in which Zehring has recorded five saves or more.

"Overall, we feel confident, and I am very happy with the team," added Draksin. "They played hard and they played for each other. That being said, we have to figure out how to become more dangerous, and give ourselves more opportunities to score goals. I know that once we start scoring, we will be alright."

The 'Lopes will play their final game before embarking on the Western Athletic Conference portion of their schedule next Saturday, Sept. 28 at Cal State Fullerton. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. and fans can follow the action by visiting www.gculopes.com.

"We are close to home next week at Fullerton, and we certainly need to win a second non-conference game," said Draksin. "We have to have confidence and get a win up there. We are so close and it is frustrating, but I believe that our tough non-conference schedule has helped us prepare as we head into conference play."

"It is just frustrating when you play hard and you end up on the tie or losing end, but that is just the world of sports."

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