Facing the WAC’s top side, the SUU soccer team fell 3-1 to Grand Canyon on Thursday afternoon.
The match did not get off to a great start for the home team, as Grand Canyon took a 1-0 lead in just 39 seconds.
SUU began to find their footing after allowing the early goal, nearly leveling the game in the 20th minute. Liz Orubor unleashed a shot from outside the 18-yard box, but the attempt was saved by the outstretched arms of the ‘Lopes goalkeeper.
Southern Utah forced another save in the 22nd minute but still wasn’t able to break through.
On the other side, Grand Canyon took a 2-0 lead in the 29th minute. Just a minute and a half later, the ‘Lopes made it 3-0, putting the T-birds in a deep first-half hole.
SUU was able to get a goal back in the 67th minute, thanks to a great delivery by Hailey Hamataka. Setting up a corner kick, Hamataka found Aubrey Murray, who headed the ball into the back of the net to make it 3-1.
AUBREY MURRAY OFF THE DOME ‼️
Thunderbirds within ✌️ pic.twitter.com/ebaoDWiPlW
— SUU Soccer (@SUUSoccer) October 11, 2024
Despite having a few more shot attempts and corner kicks in the final 25 minutes, the three-goal deficit proved insurmountable for the T-birds, who remain winless in conference play.
“Credit to GCU on some good finishing. Playing the top team in the league and beating them in corners (10-2), having more possession, and tying them in shots, I like that,” SUU head coach Kai Edwards said.
“They scored more than us and that’s what it came down to. We have all to play for next week,” he added.
All to play for
With just three matches remaining in the regular season, the T-birds currently find themselves sixth in the conference standings with just one point.
SUU will need to finish in the top six to make the WAC Tournament, something they did a season ago for the first time in 15 years.
Southern Utah will likely need to pick up some points over the final couple of weeks to get back to the tournament.
First, the T-birds will face Abilene Christian and Tarleton State on the road before hosting Utah Tech in the regular season finale. A season ago, SUU secured wins against the Wildcats (3-2) and Texans (1-0) and drew with the Trailblazers (1-1).
Up next
The T-birds (2-8-4, 0-3-1 WAC) travel to Texas for a two-match road trip next.
SUU will first face Abilene Christian on Thursday, October 17. The match will kick off at 6 p.m. MT and can be seen on ESPN+.
Photo credit: Instagram @margauxxpics
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