Taking on one of the top offensive teams through the first two weeks of the regular season, the Grand Canyon University men's soccer team (1-2-0) fell, 2-0, to Cal Poly (4-1-0) in a non-conference meeting tonight at Alex G. Spanos Stadium in San Luis Obispo, Calif.

The Mustangs entered the match with 11 goals on the season, tied for the fourth-most in the nation, and extended their win streak to four straight games.

Cal Poly carried a 1-0 lead into the break, and used a GCU defensive miscue to make it a two-goal advantage with under 10 minutes remaining in the contest. The Lopes were also shorthanded due to a red card issued with over 20 minutes to play in the second half.

Amer Sasivarevic and Alberto Sanchez Garcia each collected two shots in the game, while Niki Jackson put the only shot on goal for GCU. The Mustangs held the overall advantage in shots (13-5).

"We didn't get off to a great start in the first half, but I thought we had a fantastic second half," said head coach Petar Draksin. "That second goal obviously killed us, and was a big mistake. It was difficult for us to battle and play with 10 men, but I am pleased with our second half effort. We had our chances, and we didn't capitalize. We need to be more aggressive."

"Cal Poly is one of the top programs in the nation, and we gave it a great effort," added Draksin. "I'm proud of the boys. They had an excellent second half. We should have started better and we will fix that."

The Mustangs put pressure on GCU's defense for much of the first half as the Lopes faced their first halftime deficit of the season after Cal Poly got on the board in the 24^th minute on Matt LaGrassa's shot from the far left post that sailed past diving GCU goalkeeper Kendyl Day.

The Lopes looked to even the score at the start of the second half on a fast breakaway by Jackson, but Sanchez Garcia's shot was just right of the goal.

Kyle Summerhill was issued his second yellow card of the match in the 68^th minute, meaning that the Lopes were then forced to play with 10 players on the field for the remainder of the game.

Despite a number of opportunities on the offensive end for the Lopes, a GCU own goal made it 2-0 in favor of the Mustangs with just six minutes to play.

"These are the programs we want to play," Draksin said. "They rank in the top five in scoring in the country for a reason. I felt like we dropped the ball defensively at certain points, but that our defense was fantastic overall."

"We have to understand that playing these teams will make us better," Draksin said. "This is where we want to be, and the only way to get there is to play these programs."

GCU now returns home to GCU Soccer Field for a 7 p.m. contest versus Wright State on Sunday before embarking on a three-game road trip back to California. Fans unable to make it to Sunday's game can follow via live video and stats by visiting www.gculopes.com.

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