Riverside, California, witnessed an impressive 5-0 victory by Grand Canyon University (GCU) over Utah Tech in the WAC Tournament semifinals. This win sends the Lopes to their first championship match since 2021. GCU, seeded third, will face fourth-seeded San José State for a chance at the NCAA Tournament on Saturday afternoon. The two teams previously tied 1-1 in a game last month.
Freshman forward Junior Diouf stood out, tying for the lead in Division I goals with 16 this season. He scored two goals and provided two assists in the match, earning a total of six points—an impressive feat that sets a new single-season points record for GCU. His performance echoes the excellence of Niki Jackson, who previously held the records since 2016.
GCU’s season has been remarkable. Their 12 wins match their second-highest total in Division I history, just behind a record of 15 wins from 2021. The Lopes have been on a tear lately, going seven games without a loss, including four consecutive wins. Their defense has also shone, recording three straight shutouts. Graduate goalkeeper Daniel Ibarra, with four saves during the match, has contributed significantly to this defensive strength.
Head coach George Kiefer praised his team’s commitment and work off the ball. “We did a great job breaking out in transition,” he noted. GCU’s offensive strategy burst into action from the start. In the 13th minute, Max Kiefer scored the first goal, setting the tone for the match.
GCU controlled the game, with Gomez Rodriguez making it 2-0 just before halftime with a clever chip over the goalkeeper. The team continued to showcase their depth, with Richard Tabares Ochoa scoring after a beautiful assist from Diouf. Diouf concluded his star performance with two late goals, including a brilliant header and a one-on-one finish that capped off the scoring.
Statistically, GCU’s five goals are the most recorded in any WAC Tournament game for the program’s history, marking a historic moment for the team.
Looking ahead, the championship match against San José State promises to be exciting. Coach Kiefer expressed confidence in his team’s hard work, highlighting their journey to this point and the importance of trusting one another on the field.
As the Lopes prepare for the final, anticipation builds. The energy surrounding the team and its fanbase reflects their hard-earned success and desire for victory. The match will take place on Saturday at 2 p.m. Phoenix time, making it a pivotal moment for GCU soccer.
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