For the first time since 2009 and the first time since being in Division I, the Grand Canyon women's soccer team has started the season 2-0 after a victory over Colorado State. The Antelopes defeated the Rams 2-1 in front of a crowd of 1,135 behind two goals from Milla Benedetti.

"Tonight was an excellent performance and particularly in the first half," head coach Stevie Gill said. "They threw numbers forward late in the game but we were able to hold them off so overall it was an excellent performance."

Grand Canyon controlled possession to start out the game putting up four shots in the first 15 minutes of play. GCU's best opportunities in the first half came late from Kelsie Roberts at the 39^th minute with a blast from 25-yards outside the box but just went wide from the far post. Less than a minute later the Lopes were able to pull the goalie out of goal where McKenzie Cook placed a shot on goal but a Colorado State defender was able to step in goal to prevent the 1-0 lead.

Grand Canyon ended the first half with 12 shots while their defense was stifling allowing just one shot.

It didn't take long for the Lopes to strike in the second half as they continued to apply pressure on the Rams' defense and in the 53^rd minute Benedetti would score to give GCU the 1-0 lead. Maria Monterroso was able to control the ball near midfield and lay the ball off for Benedetti for a few dribbles into the box where she was able to slide the ball under the goalkeeper's legs. Four minutes later Benedetti would score her second goal of the match off a penalty kick, giving the Lopes a 2-0 lead.

"These first two games is a reflection of how hard we have been working in preseason," Benedetti said. "Offensively we have been working well together and the credit goes to the effort we have been putting into practice."

Colorado State came close to scoring a goal in the 80^th minute when Janelle Stone's shot attempt struck the cross bar. Hannah Gerdin would narrow GCU's lead 2-1 in the 85^th minute and the Rams continued to pressure the Lopes but the defense held onto the lead to earn their second straight victory.

Grand Canyon will be back in action on Sunday, Aug. 30, to close out their first two-match weekend against Big Sky Conference opponent, Weber State. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at the GCU Soccer Field. 

For the first time since 2009 and the first time since being in Division I, the Grand Canyon women's soccer team has started the season 2-0 after a victory over Colorado State. The Antelopes defeated the Rams 2-1 in front of a crowd of 1,135 behind two goals from Milla Benedetti.

"Tonight was an excellent performance and particularly in the first half," head coach Stevie Gill said. "They threw numbers forward late in the game but we were able to hold them off so overall it was an excellent performance."

Grand Canyon controlled possession to start out the game putting up four shots in the first 15 minutes of play. GCU's best opportunities in the first half came late from Kelsie Roberts at the 39^th minute with a blast from 25-yards outside the box but just went wide from the far post. Less than a minute later the Lopes were able to pull the goalie out of goal where McKenzie Cook placed a shot on goal but a Colorado State defender was able to step in goal to prevent the 1-0 lead.

Grand Canyon ended the first half with 12 shots while their defense was stifling allowing just one shot.

It didn't take long for the Lopes to strike in the second half as they continued to apply pressure on the Rams' defense and in the 53^rd minute Benedetti would score to give GCU the 1-0 lead. Maria Monterroso was able to control the ball near midfield and lay the ball off for Benedetti for a few dribbles into the box where she was able to slide the ball under the goalkeeper's legs. Four minutes later Benedetti would score her second goal of the match off a penalty kick, giving the Lopes a 2-0 lead.

"These first two games is a reflection of how hard we have been working in preseason," Benedetti said. "Offensively we have been working well together and the credit goes to the effort we have been putting into practice."

Colorado State came close to scoring a goal in the 80^th minute when Janelle Stone's shot attempt struck the cross bar. Hannah Gerdin would narrow GCU's lead 2-1 in the 85^th minute and the Rams continued to pressure the Lopes but the defense held onto the lead to earn their second straight victory.

Grand Canyon will be back in action on Sunday, Aug. 30, to close out their first two-match weekend against Big Sky Conference opponent, Weber State. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at the GCU Soccer Field. 
 

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