The win also marked the Redhawks’ second straight victory where they had to come from behind to win, after trailing Utah Valley early in similar fashion in last weekend’s 2-1 conference opening win.
“I continue to be impressed with our resiliency and our ability to have a better second half,” said head coach Julie Woodward. “I give a lot of credit to GCU – they have a great coaching staff and I think they’re much-improved from last year, which is exciting because it makes our conference so much stronger. We had a good second half and scored some nice goals; hopefully we’ll move on and learn from that for Sunday and the rest of the season.”
In the 64th minute, Verdoia put away the game-winner, her third of the season, on a nearly wide open center of net after a touch by Beck.
Verdoia, taken down in the box in the 54th minute, earned a penalty kick for the Redhawks and Beck evened the score, 1-1, with the shot.
Cassie Beckwith with four of GCU’s opening five shots, the Lopes were able to drive the first goal home to take an early 1-0 lead as Jessica Valadez scored an unassisted goal in the 19th minute off a Redhawk header.
The Lopes outshot the Redhawks, 12-10, while SU earned three corner kicks to Grand Canyon’s two. Beckwith led the Lopes with six shots, two on goal, while Kiana Kraft (Kent, Wash.) and Verdoia took a team-high two shots apiece.
In goal, Brianna Smallidge (Port Orchard, Wash.) made seven saves in the complete game win while Grand Canyon’s Daryl Bradley was handed the loss, making three saves.
Seattle U continues their road trip and will face Bakersfield on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 12 noon in Bakersfield, Calif. before returning home to Championship Field. Next weekend, the Redhawks host a pair of conference doubleheaders with the Seattle U men’s team on Friday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 12.
Stay tuned to GoSeattleU.com as well as Facebook (Seattle U Athletics; Seattle U Women’s Soccer), Twitter (@su_athletics; @seattleuwsoc), and Instagram (su_redhawks; seattleuwsoc) for all the latest on the team throughout the 2014 season.