The Grand Canyon University men's soccer team (3-8-2, 1-3-1) battled to a hard-fought 0-0 double overtime tie against visiting Air Force (6-3-4, 2-2-1) today on the GCU Soccer Field in Phoenix. The Antelopes put pressure on the Falcons' defense for much of the game, outshooting Air Force 20-16.

"Being at home with the opportunities that we had in the first half, we have to bury those shots," said head coach Petar Draksin. "I felt like we were still celebrating the win on Friday, and we still have a lot of soccer to play this season. It was discouraging to see our energy drop off later in the game."

GCU keeper Luca Licciardi made a number of great saves to keep the Falcons off the board, finishing with four stops on the day. That total marked a new season-high as he also picked up his first career shutout for the Lopes.

Today's contest marked the ninth game this season that has been decided by one goal or less for the Lopes, including the fourth time in the past six games.

"They (Air Force) became a better team in the second half and we dropped off," added Draksin. "The player of the game in the second half was certainly Luca. Our goalkeeping was fantastic today."

Niki Jackson led the offensive effort for the Lopes, taking five shots, one of which was on goal. Alexander Ramirez had three shots and joined Alberto Sanchez Garcia in also picking up a shot on target.

Although neither team got on the board in the first half, the Lopes held the 11-5 advantage in shots following the first 45 minutes, putting three of those on target. Jackson led GCU with three shots at the break.

GCU's defense held the Falcons to just one shot on target in the first half.

Air Force came out on the offensive attack in the second half, putting two shots on goal but were unable to get on the board as Licciardi stopped both. The Falcons collected eight shots over the final 45 minutes compared to six for GCU.

The Lopes and Falcons were even with three shots apiece during the two overtime periods, with the only attempt on goal coming off the foot of Air Force's Ben Kern in the 106^th minute.

"That's a very good program we played here today in Air Force, they have a long history of success," Draksin said. "Now, we are going to get to work and prepare for our final road trip of the season."

GCU will hit the road for their final pair of away games, beginning with a 5 p.m. (Arizona time) kickoff at Houston Baptist. The game can be followed live by visiting www.gculopes.com.

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