PHOENIX – Center back Javier Lopez scored his first career goal to lead the San José State men’s soccer team (8-3-3, 1-2-1 WAC) in a 1-1 draw against #RV Grand Canyon (8-3-2, 2-1-1 WAC) Saturday night from GCU Stadium.
The Lopes took a 1–0 lead in the 33rd minute. However San José State controlled much of the match, finishing with 61% possession, a 13–10 edge in total shots, and a 5–1 advantage in corner kicks.
The breakthrough for the Spartans came in the 71st minute when Gilberto Rivera delivered a pinpoint cross off a free kick to Lopez, who headed it into the back of the net for his first goal of the season to level the score at 1–1.
Goalkeeper Ronin Axelson made three saves in his first start of the season. The Spartans limited Grand Canyon’s Junior Diouf, one of the nation’s leading goal scorers, to just one shot and no shots on goal.
Lopez now has three points on the season, recording his first career assist earlier this season against Saint Mary’s
Rivera recorded his sixth assist of the season, now tied with Angel Iniguez for the most on the team
Rivera also led the Spartans with four shots in the match
The Spartans were without starting goalkeeper Edgar Guerra after Guerra received a red card in the Spartans’ last match
Grand Canyon came into the match receiving one vote in the United Soccer Coaches’ rankings and a 7-1-0 record at home
UP NEXT: The Spartans will return home to face San Diego State on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 4:30 p.m. at the Spartan Soccer Complex. The match can be watched on WAC International.
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