Sept. 14, 2006
Box Score
BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Alex Neve scored the only goal as Grand Canyon University blanked Western Washington University, 1-0, in a non-league men's soccer contest Thursday at Orca Field on the Whatcom Community College campus.
The Vikings, who fell to 1-7-0, were shut out for the fourth time in eight matches. Grand Canyon improved to 2-3-0 with their second straight victory.
Neve's goal came in the 20th minute, when his shot from 18 yards out deflected off a defender and went in. Tyler Hannum assisted on the goal.
"I thought we played well tonight," said Western coach Travis Connell. "We had an unfortunate deflection and if not for that we're probably playing in overtime."
Western had two good chances to even the score in the 25th minute. A 30-yard free kick by midfielder Sean Connor (Fr., Mount Vernon) was punched over the crossbar by Grand Canyon goalkeeper Franco Carotenuto, then on the ensuing corner kick, Carotenuto made a diving save of a header from 10 yards out by forward Nick Saletto (Fr., Bellingham/Squalicum).
The Vikings had a 15-11 edge in shots and forced Carotenuto to make seven saves.
"After we get over the disappointment of losing, we'll realize that we should be encouraged," said Connell. "We put together a new system and picked it up fairly well, in just three days of practice, and really carried the play. If we continue to improve and work hard, this is a system that will put us in a position to win going forward."
Western completes its three-game home stand, entertaining Seattle Pacific University on Saturday (7 p.m.).
Western Washington vs. Grand CanyonDate: 9/14/06 Attendance: 131Goals by Period 1 2 TotalGrand Canyon 1 0 --- 1Western Washington 0 0 --- 0SCORING SUMMARY:GCU - Neve (Hannum), 19:25Shots: Western Washington 15, Grand Canyon 11Corner Kicks: Western Washington 4, Grand Canyon 2Fouls: Western Washington 19, Grand Canyon 14Saves: Western Washington 2 (Warman 2), Grand Canyon 7 (Carotenuto 7)
