PHOENIX – The New Mexico State women's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to Grand Canyon in Western Athletic Conference play on Friday night at GCU Stadium.
 
"The girls battled tonight," said head coach Rob Baarts. "They played hard, created a lot of great chances but we couldn't find the net. I felt like the girls worked hard, battled and just fell a little short."
 
Aileen Galicia got the game started with a shot on goal for NM State (2-14, 1-5 WAC) in the first minute but GCU's Abby Burton was there for the save while Burton also made a save on a shot from Emma Smith in the third minute.
 
Then, the Lopes (6-12, 3-3 WAC) offense started to get going, testing Ashley Martin in the 16^th, 18^th and 21^st minutes but Martin was there to make saves on all three tries.  Then, GCU was awarded a free kick from 30 yards out which Brylee Hawkins knocked it into the top corner for a 1-0 lead in the 26^th minute.
 
The Aggies nearly tied the game in the 27^th minute but a header from Audriana Chavez was saved by Burton.
 
It appeared the Lopes would extend their lead when they were awarded a penalty kick in the 31^st minute, but Martin was there for the save and to keep the score 1-0.
 
NM State had another opportunity to tie late in the first half but a shot on frame from Lece Aviles was saved by Burton in the 42^nd minute and the Aggies headed into the break trailing 1-0.
 
After the half, GCU challenged Martin early but shots in the 47^th and 50^th minutes went wide while Martin made her sixth save of the night in the 54^th minute.
 
A try from Smith was saved by Burton in the 60^th minute before both defenses locked in until Grace Olson's header was also saved by Burton in the 71^st minute.
 
Grand Canyon almost extended its lead again in the 77^th minute but Micaela Milavec was there to clear the ball from in front of an empty net to give New Mexico State another chance to tie.
 
Aileen Galicia would record a shot on goal in the 80^th minute but Burton was there to keep the Lopes in the lead before Kelly Burton cleared a shot from in front of an empty net in the 83^rd minute.
 
From there, Grand Canyon was able to lock in on defense and hold on for a 1-0 win.
 
The Aggies were outshot 16-12 while the Lopes held 1 9-8 edge in shots on goal. Both Martin and Burton posted eight saves on the night while GCU took one more corner kick than NM State, 2-1.
 
New Mexico State continues its final road trip of WAC play at CSU Bakersfield on Sunday, Oct. 21, at 2 p.m. (MT). The match is set to be live streamed via the WAC Digital Network.