Women’s soccer falls in waning minutes to GCU

WAIPAHU, Hawaii – Sunday's contest for the Air Force women's soccer team was trending toward a scoreless draw in the waning minutes against Grand Canyon, but GCU found the net twice in the final 10 minutes of the match to hand the Falcons their first loss of the 2024 season.

Air Force (3-1. 0-0 MW) led GCU in shot attempts throughout the contest, including a 5-1 shot advantage early in the first half, but the Falcons struggled to make threatening plays against the standing Western Athletic Conference Champions, only logging two shots on-frame for the entirety of the match.

Freshman Mai Mateaki, after scoring two of the Falcons' three goals in their Thursday contest, led Air Force with four shots; Junior Caeli Sherman and sophomore Chase Borntreger both followed up with three apiece; Junior Eleanor Musgrove and sophomore Lauren Steinlage each contributed one shot on-goal.

In the 81^st minute of a scoreless defensive battle, the Lopes hit pay dirt as GCU's Maddie Brady found Bella Piete to lift Grand Canyon to a late 1-0 lead and to score the first goal against Air Force in 2024. With 53 seconds remaining in the match, GCU's Hannah Smith found the brace in the bottom right of the Falcon goal, leaving Air Force in a 2-0 hole with little time to gain ground.

Impressions from Coach Busby:
"I was proud of the fight we had on a hot day in Hawaii. Credit to GCU for playing good football and making the most of their chances. This game was essential for our growth and preparation going into conference play. We are excited to return home and play in front of our fans this Thursday."

Up Next:
Air Force Women's Soccer opens a three-match home stand at Cadet Soccer Stadium, hosting Montana on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. on the Mountain West Network.

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