The Gaels came up just short in their first road match of the season in a 1-0 loss to Grand Canyon University. On a 100-degree day in front of a packed house in Phoenix, the Lopes brought the heat early as they tried several long-ball attacks in an attempt to get over the top of the Gaels defense.
In the 16th minute the Lopes set up a free kick and it led to Marco Afonso putting a hesitation move to gain space on the Gaels Cade Cowen, and fed Esai Easly for a goal inside the six-box on a left-footed tap in.