The Grand Canyon University men's soccer team (4-10-3, 2-5-2) overcame a first half deficit to draw 1-1 with visiting Bakersfield (9-6-2, 3-4-1) today in a Western Athletic Conference matchup on the GCU Soccer Field. The Roadrunners got on the board early and looked to hold their lead before Alberto Sanchez Garcia successfully converted a penalty kick in the 85^th minute to tie the score.

It was the 12^th game decided by one goal or less for the Antelopes this season, including their sixth overtime contest.

Sanchez Garcia picked up his team-leading sixth score of the season and finished with six shot attempts on the day, half of which were on target. Mark Serjeant added four attempts, while Niki Jackson put two of his three shots on goal.

The Lopes held the significant shot advantage in the game, collecting 20 attempts while allowing just nine to the 'Runners. Half of GCU's shots were on target as the Lopes kept Bakersfield keeper Nicolas Clever busy at the net.

"We raised our level of play today," said head coach Petar Draksin. "Our guys rebounded and I really feel like we could have won this game. We had great chances, but I felt we were unlucky in the offensive third. Bakersfield is a very mature team, they have been in the NCAA tournament a few times."

"Overall, it was a much better effort and energy today than Friday night," added Draksin. "I am proud of the guys, we certainly gave ourselves chances."

Bakersfield got on the board in the eighth minute when Julian Zamora collected his team-leading 10^th score of the season on an assist from Joe Masumiya. Masumiya drove the ball into the left side of the box, allowing Zamora to dribble and shoot past a diving Luca Licciardi.

The Lopes outshot the 'Runner 10-5 over the first 45 minutes, putting five of those on target.

GCU put offensive pressure on Bakersfield for much of the second half, allowing just one shot to the 'Runners. The Lopes collected five attempts in the half before Sanchez Garcia sent the ball into the back of the net on the penalty attempt at the 84:13 mark.

The two teams were equal with three shots apiece over the two overtime periods. Clever collected two saves in that time as the Lopes continued to pressure the 'Runners defense.

GCU will return to GCU Soccer Field for a 1 p.m. kickoff next Sunday, Nov. 9 against UNLV in their final WAC contest of the season. The game can be followed via live stats and video by visiting www.gculopes.com.

"We want to finish strong with the next three games at home," Draksin said. "We will now prepare for UNLV. It is going to be an exciting game, and we will be ready for them."

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