The Grand Canyon University men's soccer team dropped a 2-1 contest to Stanford tonight at Laird Q. Cagan Stadium in Stanford, Calif. The Antelopes are now 1-3-1 overall, while the Cardinal improved to 2-1-1 on the season.

"We played very well at the beginning, we were organized and scored a nice goal on a ball from the midfield," said head coach Petar Draksin. "We defended with our hearts. We did get a bit disorganized at times, but I can't take away from them (Stanford). They worked hard, and they kept coming at us."

Gerrit Thomes got the 'Lopes on the board first with an early goal in the 11^th minute, a drive from about 30 yards out for his second goal of the season. Thomes recorded GCU's lone shot on goal in the game, while Alberto Sanchez Garcia also attempted a shot for the 'Lopes.

The Cardinal answered with two goals of their own in the first half, equalizing the score at one on a header goal from the right post in the 31^st minute. Stanford then took the 2-1 advantage, which they would carry into the half, on a penalty kick just four minutes later. Both scores by the Cardinal in the first 45 minutes came from JJ Koval.

Stanford held the advantage in shots in the first half, taking 12 while holding the 'Lopes to two. The Cardinal defense kept up the strong play in the second, not allowing a GCU shot while the Stanford offense attempted 13. Stanford finished with 10 shots on target.

"We needed to put the ball on the ground, but Stanford didn't give us breathing room in terms of pressure," added Draksin. "I knew this wasn't going to be an easy game, but we gave ourselves a chance to tie or even win the game."

Neither team would net a goal in the final 45 minutes as GCU goalkeeper Joshua Zehring continued to play strong at the net, collecting eight saves throughout the contest, including four in the second half.

"Josh, Ante Spajic, Jamiesh Holait, and Yared Solscheid played their hearts out," said Draksin. "And Amer Sasivarevic played strong, as he has every game."

GCU will next be in action when they head east to take on New Hampshire on Sept. 21 at 4 p.m. (Arizona time). Fans can follow the action live by visiting www.gculopes.com.

I am proud of the guys, and it was great to play here," Draksin said. "They are a quality team. So now we are going to take the weekend off and refresh. This has been a long stretch for us, but we are enjoying the competition and every game is a grinder."

 

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