The Grand Canyon University men's soccer team today opened their 2014 regular season campaign with a 1-0 double overtime loss to the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay at Santaga Stadium in Green Bay, Wisc.

The Phoenix went 7-7-3 last season as members of the Horizon League.

For the game, GCU held the advantage in shots (19-14) and shots on goal (8-5), however Green Bay goalie Dani Alvarado made stops on each of those Lopes attempts. GCU keeper Kendyl Day finished his Lopes debut with four saves.

"We missed five great shots and really only limited them to two chances," said head coach Petar Draksin. "We battled today, in what was our first game against competition other than ourselves. We certainly gave ourselves chances to win. Their goalkeeper made a couple of great saves, and we just didn't put the ball away. That came back to haunt on us on our own mistake, which was a lack of communication in the box in front of the goal that allowed them to score."

Freshman Niki Jackson led the offensive effort for the Lopes, putting three of his five shot attempts on goal. Jan Chvojan, Daniel Wall, Kyle Summerhill, Mark Serjeant, and Alberto Sanchez Garcia each added a shot on goal in the match.

"I thought our defense played outstanding," added Draksin. "I thought Alexander Ramirez was exceptional, and Jan was very organized in keeping things together on the back line. Kyle came in and did a nice job, and I also liked what I saw from Yared Solscheid and Ricardo Tavarez in the middle. I'm most disappointed with our play up front, but I know that those things will come because we have the guys to get it done."

Green Bay scored the game winner 20 seconds into the second overtime on a goal off the foot of Jeremy Nji.

The two squads played to a scoreless tie following the first 45 minutes, although GCU held the advantage with four shots, including two that were on goal. The Lopes defense held the Phoenix without a shot on goal throughout the first half, allowing just two total shots to Green Bay.

The game remained scoreless at the end of regulation with the Lopes continuing to put pressure on the Phoenix defense with 14 shot attempts.

Green Bay outshot GCU 4-1 in overtime, including three in the first 10 minute overtime that were saved by Day in the net.

"This was a game I thought we should not lose," Draksin said. "But we ended up on the losing end and I'm very disappointed. This was a very winnable game for us. It was surprising that our offense wasn't here today because I know we have strong offensive power this year."

The Lopes will next be in action when they host the University of the Pacific in their home opener at GCU Soccer Field on Sept. 6. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.

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