Playing in their seventh game decided by one run or less this season, the Grand Canyon University men's soccer team (2-7-1, 0-2-0 WAC) dropped a close 1-0 decision to Utah Valley (5-3-2, 1-0-1 WAC) tonight in a Western Athletic Conference matchup at Clyde Field. The Antelopes are in the midst of playing three straight conference road games.

The host Wolverines outshot GCU, 17-6, most of which came in the final 45 minutes of play. Utah Valley recorded the lone score of the match on their 15^th attempt, getting the game-winner in the 82^nd minute.

"We lost the game on one throw in," said head coach Petar Draksin. "It doesn't make sense because we work on defending those set pieces. But I'm very pleased to come into this atmosphere and play a very good game. We had a couple of chances in the box, but we didn't put it away. And it comes back to the last 10 minutes and it just hurts when you lose games like that."

Jan Chvojan led the Lopes with two shots, one of which was on target. Alberto Sanchez Garcia and Niki Jackson also had a shot on goal in the game.

"We have to score goals," added Draksin. "Players are teaming up on Niki, and we need to help him up front. We have to play through the whole 90 minutes, and I really felt like we dropped off the last 15 minutes."

Neither team got on the board in what was an evenly played first half, as the Wolverines held the narrow advantage in shots, 5-3. The teams combined for three shots on goal, with GCU keeper Kendyl Day making two stops over the first 45 minutes. Day finished with a season-high-tying four saves in the game.

The Lopes were on the defense for much of the second half as the Wolverines attempted 12 shots, but only four of which were on target. However, Utah Valley allowed just three shots to GCU in the half.

Utah Valley broke the scoreless tie with just under seven minutes remaining in the game when Skyler Milne found the back of the net on an assist from Matt Gay.

"Our chemistry is fantastic," Draksin said. "Alexander Ramirez, as a freshman, was the player of the game for us. We are just disappointed because we work so hard and don't get rewarded for it. But we are going to be ready for Seattle - this is a great team. We are dealing with injuries, but that's not an excuse. It is unlucky, but the guys are still playing hard."

The Lopes will now head to Washington for a 1:30 p.m. meeting with Seattle U on Sunday at Championship Field. Fans can follow the action via live video on the WAC Digital Network or live stats, with links available at www.gculopes.com.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

ECNL Girls N. Atlantic Players to Watch

Women's NCAA Tournament Round Two Preview

Hornets Add 7 on National Signing Day