The Grand Canyon University men's soccer team (3-8-1, 1-3-0 WAC) used three first-half goals to pick up a 3-2 victory over visiting University of Missouri – Kansas City (2-8-2, 0-3-1) tonight in a Western Athletic Conference matchup on GCU Soccer Field in Phoenix. With the win, the Antelopes avenged two conference losses to the Kangaroos from a season ago.

It was the eighth game this season decided by one goal or less for GCU.

"The biggest takeaway from this game is the character that the team showed after giving up an early goal," said head coach Petar Draksin. "We are learning every game. We have a good group of young men, and this is really a young team, so it's a process."

"I'm proud of the character and how they responded tonight."

The Lopes used scores from two freshmen, Alexander Ramirez and Niki Jackson, and another from sophomore Alberto Sanchez Garcia to snap a five-game losing streak. Jackson led the squad with six shots, half of which were on target, while Sanchez Garcia added five shots. Four of Sanchez Garcia's attempts were on goal.

The 'Roos narrowly outshot GCU, 20-19, for the game, although the Lopes held the 10-7 advantage in shots on goal.

The first half was a busy one, with the teams combining for 18 shots (nine apiece). The squads were also equal with five shots on goal.

The 'Roos got on the board within one minute of kickoff when Tato Chiaparro converted a free kick opportunity and handed UMKC the early 1-0 advantage.

"We have a largely new group and young group of players, and we have been getting beat on set pieces," added Draksin. "These things are fixable things though. And I thought we dealt with these situations better as the game went along."

The Lopes responded by scoring three unanswered goals in the half. Ramirez netted the equalizer in the eighth minute on an assist from Daniel Wall.

Five minutes later, Jackson put GCU ahead with his third score of the season. Jackson took a run to the center of the box and placed the ball outside reach of diving 'Roos goalie Chris McGaughey on an assist from Ramirez.

UMKC had a chance to knot the score at two in the 24^th minute, but were unable to take advantage of a penalty kick opportunity.

Sanchez Garcia handed the Lopes a two-goal cushion in the 39^th minute, putting a rebounded save into the back of the net to tie teammate Jackson for the team lead with three goals on the season.

The lone score in the second half came off the foot of Nick Cramer in the 67^th minute as the Roos came within one goal of tying the game. As was the case with the entire contest, the second half was played evenly, with the 'Roos attempting 11 shots to GCU's 10.

The Lopes will be back in action on Sunday when they host Air Force at GCU Soccer Field. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. and fans can follow the action via live video on the WAC Digital Network and live stats, with links provided at www.gculopes.com.

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