Grand Canyon University’s women’s soccer squad is set to begin its first road stretch of the season, traveling to face CSUN on Thursday before heading to UC Irvine on Sunday. The matches mark a pivotal moment for the Lopes, who have opened the campaign with a blend of offensive firepower and defensive resilience.
Senior forward Amanda Adams has been the catalyst for the team’s early success. After delivering an assist that set up Johannes’s goal in a 2‑0 victory over Buffalo, Adams was recognized as the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week. She now tops the conference in goals, assists and shots on target, underscoring her role as the primary offensive engine.
The Lopes’ offense has been firing on all cylinders in recent outings. In their season opener they edged Arizona 2‑0, a result highlighted by first‑career goals from Emma Knack and Madison Hamm, while Sabrina Guzman and Sophia Rubano also found the net. A three‑day later they repeated the 2‑0 scoreline against Buffalo, securing their first such win since 2021 and cementing a promising start.
Despite a narrow 1‑0 defeat to Texas on August 23, the team showed it can compete with strong opposition, controlling possession and striking the post three times. The loss did not dampen confidence, instead providing a learning experience as the squad prepares for the next set of challenges.
Through two weeks of play the Lopes sit tied for third in the Mountain West Conference with a 2‑1 record, a placement that exceeds their preseason projection of fourth. The upcoming week will include a brief respite before a home clash with Long Beach State on September 6, a game that could further solidify their standing.
Conference Outlook and Future Fixtures
The schedule also features a rematch with CSUN, a team the Lopes have split 2‑2 in prior meetings, and a second encounter with UC Irvine, who edged GCU 1‑0 in last season’s meeting at GCU Stadium. Both games will test the team’s depth and adaptability as they aim to climb the conference ladder.