PHOENIX, Ariz. – (Oct. 27) No. 19 Seattle University men’s soccer tied, 1-1, at Grand Canyon Friday night. Nathan Aune scored late in regulation to force a draw in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) contest at GCU Stadium. With the tie, SU has clinched a spot in the WAC Championship.
"I'm proud of the effort from the guys tonight," said Coach Pete Fewing. "Josh came up with some big saves for us. Everybody played well and they worked their tails off."
Josh came up with some big saves. I'm proud of the guys and the effort was there. Everybody played great and they worked their tails off tonight.
After allowing a goal in the second half, Seattle U (11-2-3, 5-0-3 WAC) ramped up the pressure, squeezing the Lopes’ back line as time ran down. Ozzie Ramos claimed a loose ball and found Aune, who blasted a line drive into the upper left corner from 20 yards out, tying the game at 82:40.
The final minutes and much of extra time was frantic, with both sides looking for a game-winner. SU tested its foe several times, but the Lopes answered each time to claim a draw.
The first frame was back and forth, with both teams taking chances and challenging the opposition. SU tested the Lopes’ defenses with seven shots, including five on goal. An Alex Roldan shot nearly hit pay dirt, but a GCU (6-9-1, 3-4-1 WAC) defender was there to slow the ball for goalkeeper Jeremy Pollard to collect at the goal line. The match remained scoreless through 45 minutes.
The Redhawks controlled the early portion of the second half, filling the hosts’ penalty box with traffic. Seattle U could not find a go-ahead goal, though, and a GCU penalty kick was converted in the 63rd minute for a 1-0 margin.
SU entered the match leading the nation in shots per game (21.0), shots on goal per game (8.5), and corner kicks per game (7.6). It hit or exceeded its averages in all three categories Friday, compiling 29 shots, 15 on goal, and 10 corner kicks.
Josh Adachi posted four saves in net.
The Redhawks play at UNLV on Sunday. The WAC game is set for a 1 p.m. kickoff.