The Grand Canyon University men's soccer team dropped a close 1-0 decision today to Loyola University Chicago at Loyola Soccer Park in Chicago, Ill. The Antelopes are now 1-1 on the season, while the Ramblers also evened their record at 1-1.

GCU held the advantage in both shots (19-12) and shots on goal (4-2), while LUC goalkeeper Tim Dombrowolski was busy collecting four saves for the Ramblers.

Gerrit Thomes and Jamiesh Holait each attempted four shots for the 'Lopes, while Thomes, Alberto Sanchez Garcia, Brandon Hansen, and Courage Chirandu each had one shot on goal.

"Our young men played hard today, and I am so proud of them," said head coach Petar Draksin. "It is one of those games where sometimes you need luck and we didn't have the luck on our side. Their goalkeeper made some great saves, so hats off to him. It was a very physical, hard fought game, and I thought we competed and played hard."

The Ramblers, who found themselves on the defense in the early minutes as GCU took a bevy of shots, got on the board first with a goal in the 21^st minute, which also proved to be the game-winner. Prior to that point, the 'Lopes had taken six shots, two of which were saved by Dombrowolski, while allowing just two to the Ramblers.

"They had a free kick opportunity and we did not defend it as well as we should have," said Draksin. "I'm disappointed we lost and so are the young men, but we did what we could to give ourselves a chance."

In the first 45 minutes, GCU outshot the Ramblers 10-5, but were unable to put a shot on target after the 11^th minute.

The 'Lopes had back-to-back scoring opportunities in the 65^th minute, when a Thomes shot hit the crossbar and just eight seconds later, a Kyle Ciliento shot was just wide of the goal. GCU would attempt five more shots as the clock was winding down, keeping the Ramblers busy on defense for most of the second half.

"We had many opportunities to tie and win the game, and that is not to take away from them (LUC)," Draksin said. "I was very pleased to see the chances that we created, we really carried the offensive momentum in the second half."

The 'Lopes will now head to Florida for two games in the Sunshine State, beginning with a 4 p.m. (Arizona time) contest at Jacksonville on Thursday, Sept. 5. GCU will conclude its four-game, 12-day road trip at Stetson on Sunday, Sept. 8. Kickoff is also slated for 4 p.m. (Arizona time). Both schools are members of the Atlantic Sun Conference. Fans can follow the action live by visiting www.gculopes.com.

"We will recover from this, and get rested and prepared for the two games in Florida," said Draksin. "The travel is tough but we will not let that be an excuse, we just have to compete and win games."

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