The Grand Canyon University women's soccer team (3-10-1, 2-5-1) powered past the University of Idaho (3-10-1, 2-5-1) with a 2-0 victory on the GCU Soccer Field in Phoenix, Ariz. The win marked their second shutout of the season, as they posted a 1-0 victory over Colorado State on Sept. 6.

"I thought the girls played well defensively this afternoon and stuck to the game plan," said head coach Stevie Gill.

In the 28^th minute, Cassie Beckwith drove it into the net for the first goal of the game, assisted by Chelsea Santos It was her third goal, which ties her for the team lead this season.

At the end of the first half, the Lopes led in shots, posting nine compared to the Vandals' five. Beckwith had five shots in the half. Both keepers picked up two saves in the first 45 minutes as GCU held the advantage for shots on goal, 3-2.

GCU's defense didn't allow a shot for the Vandals in the first 25 minutes of the second half. Idaho's first shot of the half rebounded off the crossbar, keeping them scoreless. In that same time, the Lopes took five shots, giving them possession of the offensive action.

Santos scored the second goal of the game in the 81^st minute, unassisted on a long free kick. It was her first goal of 2013. The Vandals attempted three more shots before time ran out, but GCU's strong defensive play kept them off the board.

"Cassie had another fantastic game up front and scored the first goal while Chelsea scored a great goal from a free kick to give us the two goal lead late in the second half," added Gill. "It is always nice to get a win at home and we are going to enjoy the day and begin our planning for New Mexico State next Friday."

The GCU women's soccer team welcomed back nine alumni to the field for the game, including Olivia-Joan K. Lym, Emily Ashby, Sarah Loreto (formerly Freeman), Kristin Cole, Kristen Fraley, Nichole Alford (formerly Nuss), Vanessa Young, Robin Wick, and Nichole Elias.

The Antelopes will continue their four game home stand against New Mexico State on Friday at 7 p.m.. The game can be followed via both live stats and live video at www.gculopes.com.

 

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