GCU's Lopes Aim to Extend Top‑21 Run Against Sacramento State
The Lopes enter their second straight road contest in northern California with a 21st‑national ranking, a position that reflects both the program’s rapid rise and the expectations of a fan base that has grown alongside the team’s success.
Head coach Jamie Davies, who arrived from North Florida where he captured ASUN conference and tournament titles, is in his first season at GCU. Under his guidance the squad has already secured a 2‑1 victory over Stanford, a match that showcased the offensive spark of senior midfielder Sabri Hanni, who netted the Lopes’ first goal of the 2026 campaign.
The win also highlighted the return of key veterans, including midfielders Jorge Lopez and Martin Luala. Luala, a No. 28 overall pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft by San Diego FC, brings professional experience to a midfield that also features freshman Alhassan Alhassan, who recorded his first collegiate assist in the same game.
GCU’s roster is notable for its international flavor, with players hailing from 13 different countries. Local products Cruzeiro Cruz and Nerville Ntui from Mesa, Arizona, join teammates such as fifth‑year goalkeeper Beltran Fernandez, a transfer from Florida International who earned a spot on the Mountain West Preseason Watch List, and true freshman Felix Oberwaditzer from Vaduz, Liechtenstein, who already has senior international caps.
The upcoming schedule includes a home match against UC Riverside on August 28, marking the first of five consecutive home games. That stretch follows a Sunday night showdown with Sacramento State, a team that opened its season with a 3‑1 win over UC Davis and will look to avenge a program‑history fourth meeting with the Lopes.