PHOENIX, Ariz. –Head coach Danny Ortiz was quoted after the Red Storm’s men’s soccer near-upset of Truman University last weekend, ”I believe the guys are coming away with a great deal of confidence heading into conference play.”
After facing a barrage of Grand Canyon University’s shots Saturday, the bottom line is that only one shot hit the back of the net. Tyler Albretsen scored thanks to an assist from Jordan Roylance, helping Dixie State to a conference opening victory, 1-0.
Dixie State improved to 2-2-1 on the year knocking off the defending league champions. GCU falls to 3-2 (0-1 PWC).
The Lopes won the battle of individual statistical categories: 22-9 on total shots, 10-1 on corner kicks and 9-2 with shots on goal, but they could not net a goal.
Albretsen cashed in a rebound to the left side of the 6-yard box from Roylance’s shot and went top shelf past GCU keeper Adam Garcia. Tyler Walters stopped nine shots en route to the shutout win.
The Red Storm will return to PWC play on Friday at 7 p.m. in the regular season home opener against the Academy of Art.