PHOENIX – Samantha Nieto opened her LMU scoring account with an 84th minute goal, but the Lions fell in a tough battle against Grand Canyon 2-1 on Thursday night in Phoenix. 

 

The Lions defense played extremely well, allowing only two shots on target the entire match. 

 

Jennessa Groves forced a save right off the bat with a shot on goal just 21 seconds into the match.  

 

Olivia Winter followed up a few minutes later with a shot wide.  

 

The Antelopes took the lead in the 35th minute with a free kick that found the bottom right corner of the net. It was just the second shot of the night for Grand Canyon and the first on target.  

 

Grand Canyon extended their lead in the 58th minute when a long-distance effort took a deflection off center back Alice Santen and beat JJ Hoover as she was shuffling away from where the ball landed.  

 

Santen came remarkably close to cutting the deficit in the 80th minute after the Lions won a free kick just outside the box. Santen stepped up and blasted a right-footed effort that looked destined for the top corner, but the opposing goalkeeper made an incredible leaping save to keep it out. Vilde Svensen's bouncing effort on the ensuing corner kick was too high. 

 

Madison Werner also had a stinging effort saved by the Antelopes goalkeeper. After Lea Grabher harassed an opposing defender into a turnover, Werner fired a first-time shot that was punched away at the last second to keep the Lions scoreless. 

 

Chaos ensued on the ensuing corner kick as the Lions had three attempts on goal with the final one getting them on the scoreboard. Grabher headed the ball into the ground and towards the back post before a GCU outfield player cleared it off the line. The ball bounced back to Nieto, who headed towards goal but that shot was also cleared by a GCU defender. After Kelsey Wong's effort was blocked, Nieto whipped her left foot around the ball and beat the diving goalkeeper for the Lions opener.  

 

The Lions were not without opportunities to score as they forced six saves, earned five corners and outshot the Antelopes 10-4.  

 

LMU is back in action on Sunday against Northern Arizona to mark the end of the road trip. That match will begin at 1:00 p.m. (PT) and will be streamed on ESPN+ for those unavailable to make the match. 

 

Season Tickets:     
It's not too late for fans to have the opportunity to buy season tickets. Purchase your season tickets for all ticketed sports at www.LMULions.com/tickets     
     
Mobile Ticket Information & Entry Procedures:     
To provide an efficient and safe experience for our fans; we utilize mobile ticketing delivery through the AXS app. Mobile ticketing allows fans to enter LMU athletic venues via their mobile app instead of a physical, paper ticket. Make sure to have your ticket available on your phone upon arrival to ensure the quickest entry process. For assistance, please call 310-338-LION (5466).     
     
Donate Today:     
Fans interested in making a contribution to the Lions Athletic Fund can do so by clicking here. Your gift will help provide a transformational student-athlete experience athletically, academically, and culturally for every LMU student-athlete. We appreciate your continued support of LMU Athletics.      
      
Follow Along With The Action:     
For complete coverage of Loyola Marymount University athletics, visit LMULions.com. We encourage you to follow along with all the action on social media as well. Follow along by following us on Twitter, liking us on Facebook, and following us on Instagram.