The Grand Canyon University men's soccer team (1-1-0) opened their 2014 home slate with a 3-2 win over visiting Pacific (0-3-0) tonight in front of a large crowd of GCU fans. The Antelopes used goals from three different players to fend off the Tigers, scoring twice in the first half and adding another just 43 seconds into the second.

"It's a great feeling to get this win tonight in front of a great crowd," said head coach Petar Draksin. "We did a lot of good things on the offensive side of the ball and I'm proud of the team. We gave ourselves opportunities and the goals that we scored were actually designed. The problem in soccer, however, is the next five minutes; you can't lose your concentration, and we did that twice. We address these things, but you get caught celebrating sometimes."

"I didn't expect anything less from Pacific," added Draksin. "Their coach and I have been competing against each other since he was a player. This could be a long rivalry."

The game was delayed approximately an hour due to a dust storm blowing through the Phoenix area, as the teams kicked off closer to 8 p.m.

The Lopes outshot Pacific 20-12 for the game, placing nine of those on target. The Tigers had four shots on goal. GCU held the advantage in corner kicks (7-5) as they put pressure on the Pacific defense for much of the contest.

GCU had a strong offensive first half, outshooting the Tigers 12-7 and placing half of those on goal.

Niki Jackson netted his first career goal with GCU just two minutes into the game on an assist from Alberto Sanchez Garcia.  Jackson made a diving header that was out of reach for Tigers keeper Curtis Golsmith. Golsmith was busy in the first 45 minutes, collecting four saves as the Lopes applied pressure for much of the half.

Less than a minute later, Pacific answered with a goal of their own to knot the score at one. Tristan Blackmon found the back of the net on an assist from Tyson Fox.

GCU reclaimed the 2-1 lead in the 26^th minute when Garcia scored on an assist from Jordan Slack from just inside midfield.

After the halftime break, the Lopes came out strong once again on the offensive front, as Jose Rodriguez Nieblas picked up his first goal of the season just 43 seconds into the second half. Slack tallied his second assist of the game, this time from the right side to find Nieblas, who built a two-goal lead for GCU (3-1).

Similar to the first half, the Tigers responded, this time just over three minutes later to pull within one score of the Lopes. Esteban De La Torre placed a free kick just out of reach of GCU keeper Kendyl Day in the 49^th minute.

"What was frustrating when we played at Green Bay was that we had the chances," Draksin said. "We executed much better tonight. I don't want to take away from Pacific, but we put ourselves in a vulnerable position when we allowed those goals. Pacific is a very good team. We will enjoy this win."

"We have to prepare for a tough Cal Poly team who is consistently a top-20 program," added Draksin.  

The Lopes will now make a quick trip to California to take on Cal Poly on Thursday at 7 p.m. Fans can follow the action via live stats and video by visiting 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