CSUN’s Unbeaten Streak Comes to End Against GCU

PHOENIX, Ariz --- CSUN men's soccer suffered its first defeat of the season Friday night, falling 2-0 to Grand Canyon at GCU Stadium.

The Matadors were locked in a defensive battle through the first half as the Lopes pressed early and often. Goalkeeper Dorian Drucks kept CSUN level, turning away six first-half shots on goal, including stops in the fifth, sixth and 18th minutes to deny GCU from close range. In the first 20 minutes, GCU had a 10-1 shot advantage. Seydou Diop had the best look of the half for CSUN in the 33rd minute, forcing a team save on a low strike toward the corner.

After halftime, the Matadors looked to seize momentum. Jorge Solorzano tested GCU keeper Daniel Ibarra in the 49th minute, and Hagan Cupido followed with another attempt in the 67th, but Ibarra was at the right place in the right time.

The breakthrough came for Grand Canyon in the 59th minute when Alan Hermitte connected on a left-footed finish into the bottom right corner off a feed from Max Kiefer. CSUN responded by generating pressure, recording six second-half shots and five corners after the Lopes' opener. The Matadors nearly equalized in the 80th minute when Diop forced another save at the near post.

Just minutes later, GCU doubled its lead. In the 85th minute, Martin Luala slipped free inside the box and fired a right-footed shot past Drucks off a pass from Junior Diouf to put the match out of reach.

GAME NOTES

CSUN loses its first game of the year, effectively ending the unbeaten streak at eight games.
CSUN finished with nine shots, five on goal,
CSUN held a 10-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Drucks tallied six saves in the loss.
Diop had two shots on goal to lead the team.
Grand Canyon held the shots advantage, 21-9
Drucks has still only allowed three goals in nine games.

ACCORDING TO HEAD COACH TERRY DAVILA
"We played a tough GCU team that's undefeated at home. It was a hard fought game and great preparation as we head into Big West play. We're looking forward to the challenge and we'll be ready to compete."

UP NEXT
CSUN begins Big West play when it takes on UC Riverside away from Northridge on Wednesday, October 1. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with commentary by Ghizal Hasan and Gio Galvez.
#GoMatadors

CSUN’s Unbeaten Streak Comes to End Against GCU

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Team Stats

Seydou Diop

Justin Sosa

Jake Shaked

Siddiq Lezzar

Players Mentioned

Hagan Cupido

Dorian Drucks

Jorge Solorzano