The Grand Canyon University men's soccer team (4-9-2, 2-4-1) played their final road game of the 2014 season today, dropping a 3-1 decision to the University of the Incarnate Word (6-7-0, 5-1-0) in a Western Athletic Conference matchup at Benson Stadium in San Antonio, Tex. The loss snapped a three-game unbeaten streak for the Antelopes.

Playing in their first season as affiliate members of the WAC, the Cardinals sit in second place behind leader UNLV. The Rebels handed Incarnate Word their lone loss in conference play so far.

Alberto Sanchez Garcia picked up his team-leading fifth goal of the season in the second half, and finished with a team-high five shots. Jaime Olabarria and Mark Serjeant each added a shot on goal for the Lopes.

"I am not surprised with the way Incarnate Word came out against us today," said head coach Petar Draksin. "I am disappointed in our effort to start the game, but we battled back in the second half. The penalty kick that Incarnate Word made changed the game, because it forced us to push forward, and in doing so, we allowed them to score again."

GCU keeper Luca Licciardi collected a season-high eight saves in the match. Incarnate Word kept Licciardi busy in the game, attempting 20 shots, 11 of which were on target. The Lopes tallied 10 shots, three on goal.

The Cardinals got on the board in the 15^th minute on a header goal by Ben Conway to stake an early 1-0 lead over GCU. Incarnate Word's defense did not allow a shot to the Lopes until nearly 22 minutes had ticked off the clock.

Incarnate Word held the 10-5 shot advantage at the break, putting five of those on target. GCU had a shot on goal apiece from Olabarria and Serjeant in the first 45 minutes of play.

Sanchez Garcia netted the equalizer in the 51^st minute on a loose ball outside of the box that he sent into the upper left of the goal.

Less than two minutes later, the Cardinals once again took the lead, this time on a penalty kick off the foot of Alex Garza following a GCU foul in the box.

Incarnate Word gave themselves a two-goal cushion in the 75^th minute on Dylan Kelly's score through the right corner.

The two squads matched their shot totals from the first half over the final 45 minutes, with the Cardinals' taking 10 to GCU's five.

"Overall, today was not a very good day for us," added Draksin. "We won a big game Friday night and did not have that same energy today. But we will come home and get ready for five straight games on our home field. We will learn from this and get ready for Friday night."

GCU will now return home to play the remainder of their five games, beginning with a 7 p.m. meeting with San Jose State on Friday, Oct. 31. Fans can follow the action via live video and stats by visiting www.gculopes.com.

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