Grand Canyon University’s Lopes opened their season with a 2-0 victory over the Arizona Wildcats, a win that had been postponed by lightning and finally arrived on a crisp evening in Phoenix. The shutout marked the team’s first triumph since 2023 and set a positive tone for the campaign.
A Tribute and a Tactical Shift
Sabrina Guzman broke the deadlock in the 47th minute, dedicating the strike to her late cousin Tony Hernandez, while Sophia Rubano added her first career goal ten minutes later. Both goals came in the second half, underscoring the Lopes’ growing attacking rhythm.
Coach Chris Cissell’s 3-5-2 system emphasized width and pressure, allowing the Lopes to dominate possession and limit Arizona’s chances. Goalkeeper Emma Knack made several key saves to preserve the clean sheet, while the midfield trio controlled the tempo.
The match also introduced several newcomers. Freshmen Makayla Gwynn and Lia D'Afonseca made their debuts off the bench, and track star Hannah Smith entered the game after her first practice, taking advantage of eligibility rules to contribute on the wing.
The Lopes will host three consecutive home games, beginning August 20 against Buffalo, followed by matchups with Texas on August 23 and CSUN on August 27. Cissell highlighted the importance of team culture, noting that the early win is as much about chemistry as it is about tactics.