On Tuesday night, college soccer fans had a choice: watch the top-ranked Portland team or catch the action featuring Grand Canyon University (GCU) freshman, Junior Diouf. Those who tuned in were in for an exciting match.
Diouf shined bright, scoring two goals and leading GCU to a 2-1 victory over UT Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). This win capped off an impressive 6-2-1 nonconference season, the best record the Lopes have had heading into conference play since their strong 2021 season.
GCU’s defense was solid, not allowing more than one goal in any match this season. Diouf’s goals came in the 30th and 35th minutes, bringing his tally to eight for the season. Remarkably, that’s enough to rank him among the top scorers in the nation, with no other freshman breaking into the top 15.
“Junior is exceptional,” said GCU head coach George Kiefer. “We played well, but we need to sharpen our finishing. UTRGV kept it close, and we’re pleased with being 6-2-1 going into conference play.”
Diouf displayed teamwork, passing the spotlight to junior midfielder Martin Luala during a postgame interview—a fitting gesture since Luala assisted on Diouf’s first goal.
In that first goal, Luala skillfully chipped a long pass to Diouf, who struck it past the goalkeeper to get GCU ahead. The Lopes widened their lead just five minutes later, with Diouf intercepting a backpass and calmly scoring again.
Statistics reveal that Diouf’s scoring prowess ties him for the eighth-most goals by a GCU player in their Division I era. With the conference season still to come and potential playoffs on the horizon, there’s plenty of opportunity for him to break records.
Although GCU dominated with 16 shots compared to UTRGV’s five, the match came with some tense moments late in the game. The Lopes held their ground despite facing a spirited challenge from UTRGV, who managed to score in the second half.
Fans were buzzing on social media, celebrating Diouf’s second goal with enthusiasm. Tweets from the GCU Men’s Soccer team highlighted his standout performance, showcasing the growing excitement around the program.
“Another match, another Junior goal! That makes seven for the season!” read one tweet, emphasizing Diouf’s rising stardom.
As GCU prepares for conference play starting this Saturday against Utah Valley, the stakes will be higher. Utah Valley, currently strong with a 6-0-1 record, will be a tough challenge.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to test ourselves,” Kiefer noted, acknowledging the experienced coaching of Utah Valley’s head coach Kyle Beckerman. “It promises to be a competitive atmosphere, and we look forward to seeing how we measure up.”
As the season unfolds, the GCU community—students, fans, and players alike—will continue to rally around their team. The excitement around Junior Diouf’s play is just part of what makes college soccer thrilling. Keep an eye on the Lopes; they might just be on a path to something special this year.
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