The Grand Canyon University men's soccer team (2-8-1, 0-3-0 WAC) was unable to overcome a pair of early Seattle U (6-4-1, 1-1-1 WAC) scores, dropping a 2-0 decision to the Redhawks in a Western Athletic Conference game today at Championship Field. The Antelopes put together a solid second half despite being forced to play one man short for over 60 minutes of the game.

The contest marked the final of a three-game conference road swing. Seattle U was recently tabbed as the No. 1 team in the West according to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) regional rankings on Oct. 7.

Seattle U narrowly outshot GCU, 17-15, for the game, including an 8-6 advantage in shots on goal. Courage Chirandu had a strong second half for the Lopes, placing all three of his shots on target. Niki Jackson also added three shots for GCU, while Amer Sasivarevic, Ricardo Tavarez, and Jaime Olabarria had two attempts each. Jackson put two of his three shots on goal.

The Redhawks got on the board in the eighth minute on a header by Kyle Bjornethun. The goal came off of a corner kick on the right side and was the first shot for either team in the game's early minutes.

Seattle U made it a 2-0 game after Race Sciabica found the back of net in the 26^th minute. Soon after, the Lopes were forced to play with 10 players for the remainder of the game due to a red card issued to Kyle Summerhill.

At the break, the Redhawks held the 13-3 advantage in shots as Seattle U kept GCU keeper Kendyl Day busy at the net. Day recorded three saves in the first 45 minutes. Sasivarevic and Jackson combined for GCU's three shots, with Jackson placing his lone attempt on target in the first half.

The Lopes came out on the offensive attack in the second half, holding the Redhawks without a shot for over 20 minutes. GCU outshot Seattle U, 12-4, as the Lopes also put five shots on target in the game's final 45 minutes. Luca Licciardi entered the game in goal in the second half, collecting two saves.

GCU threatened Seattle U in the box late in the half, but Redhawks goalkeeper Shane Haworth recorded a number of key saves to keep the Lopes off the board. Haworth finished with six saves on the day.

Despite being pressured on defense, Seattle U ultimately took advantage of a GCU foul in the box with under 10 minutes to play, as Ian Hines-Ike successfully converted a penalty kick to make the score 3-0 in favor of the Redhawks.

GCU will now return home for a pair of WAC games beginning with a 7 p.m. matchup against Kansas City on Friday at GCU Soccer Field. The Lopes will then welcome Air Force to Phoenix for a 1 p.m. game on Sunday. Both games can be followed via live video and stats at www.gculopes.com.

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