The Southern Utah University women’s soccer team hosted Grand Canyon University on Friday, Oct. 11, on the Thunderbird Soccer Field for homecoming weekend. Grand Canyon used a strong first half to handle Southern Utah 3-1.
First half
The game started off fast with GCU’s AJ Loera scoring off of a deflection in the first minute of the game. That wasn’t all GCU had in store, Bella Piete would score in the 28th minute, and Payton Fisher scored in the 30th minute, both from the right-wing position.
SUU constantly applied pressure on Grand Canyon’s back line but DeAira Jackson impressed with three saves in the first half.
Second half
The second half was relatively uneventful through the first 25 minutes until SUU found its retaliation and in the 66th minute. Aubrey Murray found the net on a header from the left-side corner.
The Thunderbirds dominated time of possession and continued to create good looks, yet the Lopes’ defense held strong and kept the game at 3-1.
Key statistics
— Murray scored her first career goal in the 3-1 loss.
— Piete notched her third goal of the season, tying her for first on the team in total points.
What’s Next?
Southern Utah will be back on the road to take on Abilene Christian University on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 6 p.m. This game can be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Preston Ferry
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: Jack Paul
