University of Arizona
0-1-0, 0-0-0
GCU
1-0-0, 0-0-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Grand Canyon | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Arizona Falls to Grand Canyon in Season Opener
08/12/2026 | Soccer
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Arizona Soccer dropped its 2026 season opener, 2-0, to Grand Canyon Wednesday night at GCU Stadium.
Originally scheduled for a 7 p.m. MST kickoff, the Wildcats did not take the pitch until 8:15 p.m. following multiple weather delays. Play was halted again approximately 20 minutes into the opening half due to weather.
Arizona's starting XI featured Sofia Cortes-Browne in goal alongside Ally Brown, Zoe Mendiola, Jessica Bedolla, Grace Smith, Aranda Hurge, Lily Boydstun, Mireya Stephenson, Trinity Dorsey, Ella Weathersby and Marissa Arnst.
The Wildcats were on the attack early, earning their first corner kick just 45 seconds into the match. Arizona generated five shots in the opening 45 minutes while limiting Grand Canyon to three and held a 2-1 advantage in corner kicks. Jessica Bedolla registered the Wildcats' lone shot on goal of the half in the 38th minute, but GCU goalkeeper Emma Knack made the save to keep the match scoreless heading into halftime.
Laurynn Ziller took over in goal to begin the second half, but the Lopes quickly broke the deadlock. Sabrina Guzman scored just 1:43 after the restart, finishing an assist from Amanda Adams to give GCU a 1-0 advantage. Sophia Rubano doubled the lead in the 55th minute with an unassisted goal.
Arizona continued to push forward despite the two-goal deficit, generating five second-half corner kicks. Ally Brown had an attempt blocked in the 76th minute before Lily Boydstun put the Wildcats' final shot on frame in the 88th, forcing another save from Knack.
The Wildcats finished with nine shots to GCU's 10 and held a commanding 7-1 advantage in corner kicks. Arizona also held 54% of the possession. Bedolla and Boydstun accounted for Arizona's two shots on goal, while nine different Wildcats recorded a shot.
Arizona returns to Tucson for its home opener Saturday, Aug. 15, against New Mexico State at Mulcahy Soccer Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. MST.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
Sabrina Guzman (1)
Assisted By: Amanda Adams
GOAL by GCU Guzman, Sabrina Assist by Adams, Amanda.
46:43
Sophia Rubano (1)
GOAL by GCU Rubano, Sophia.
54:58
