The Grand Canyon University women's soccer team (1-7-1, 0-1-0) battled to a hard-fought 2-1 loss to Seattle U (6-3-1, 2-0-0) Friday at GCU Soccer Field. The Antelopes outshot the defending WAC champions, 12-10, in Canyon's Western Athletic Conference (WAC) opener.

"I thought that we gave a very good account of ourselves in the first half and tried to get the ball down and play," said head coach Stevie Gill. "Seattle is an excellent team and very organized so our goal was to limit their chances in the final third."

GCU held a 1-0 lead heading into intermission, as sophomore Jessica Valadez scored her first goal of the season in the 19^th minute to give the Lopes an early 1-0 lead. The Grand Canyon offense continued to put pressure on the Seattle U backline and keeper, holding a distinct shot advantage (10-4) in the first 45 minutes of action.

Cassie Beckwith led the offensive charge in the opening half, firing five shots, with two of those being on goal. Joanna Lagunas also put two shots on target, while Sirena Seymour and Maria Monterroso contributed with one shot on goal apiece in the first half.

The visiting Redhawks evened the score at 1-1 on a penalty kick in the 54^th minute and took the lead in the 64^th minute on a goal from Preseason WAC Offensive Player of the Year, Stephanie Verdoia.

The Lopes continued to apply offensive pressure, but were unable to score the equalizer, falling to Seattle U, 2-1.

Martine Gjennestad put one shot on goal in the second half and Beckwith tallied a shot in the second half for a total of six on the night.

Canyon keeper Daryl Bradley made three saves in her third start of the season in goal.

"We came out slow in the second half and the tempo shifted for the first 20 minutes," said Gill. "We made two mistakes that Seattle capitalized on. In order to win games at this level, it is imperative that we minimize these errors and play a full 90 minutes."

"Having said that, I'm proud of the girls and their efforts this evening," said Gill. "Brylee Hawkins had a fantastic game and Jessica Valadez was outstanding at the back and scored a great goal. We now look forward to getting a result on Sunday versus UVU."

Grand Canyon will host Utah Valley Sunday at GCU Soccer Field. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m. and fans unable to make it out can find links for live stats and live video at www.gculopes.com.

Seattle U 2, GCU 1

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