Men's Soccer Picks up Huge Road Win vs. GCU

Sunday, October 27

Phoenix, Ariz.

9:00 PM

Kansas City

5-8-0, 4-4-0

Grand Canyon

4-6-4, 1-4-3

Kansas City

Grand Canyon

Men's Soccer Picks up Huge Road Win vs. GCU

10/27/2019 10:25:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- After the loss to UNLV, Kansas City was looking to get back on track against Grand Canyon and back into the race for a spot in the Western Athletic Conference Tournament. The Roos came away victorious 2-0, picking up the first road win of the year and moving to 5-8-0 and 4-4-0 in the WAC. With the win, Kansas City moves back up into sixth place in the conference tied with Air Force and CSU Bakersfield.

"It was a great team effort," head coach Rick Benben said. "The guys showed a lot of heart tonight."

The back line of the Roos defense was tested all game long, as the Lopes possessed the ball in the attack for the majority of the game. The Lopes outshot Kansas City 19-4, took 10 corners to KC's zero, and dominated possession. However, the key to the game for the Roos was efficiency. On four total shots in the game, they were able to find the back of the net twice for a .500 shooting percentage.

In the first half, Kansas City was able to strike first in the 42nd minute. The Lopes suffered a foul right outside the box to set up a free kick for the Roos. Set piece specialist David Ray-Campoy lined up the kick and sent a worm burner on the ground past the Lopes GK for the 1-0 lead. That goal marked Ray-Campoy's third of the year, all coming off set pieces. To call him a set piece specialist would be an understatement, as he has converted them at a high clip this season.

GK Filippo Errico put together a solid performance in the first half with two huge saves on what would have been equalizers for the Lopes. Kansas City only attempted two shots in the half compared to Grand Canyon's eight shots.

The second half was dominant for the Lopes in the stats column, but the Roos were able to rock the Lopes to sleep in the 80th minute on the counter. Freshman Aiden Cavanugh and Junior Ryan Khedoo played a little one-two game on the break. Cavanaugh sent a beautiful through ball to Khedoo, who sent a rocket that skimmed the cross-bar into the net. That goal was the proverbial nail in the coffin with just ten minutes remaining.

"Filippo (Errico) was excellent with strong support from the entire group," head coach Rick Benen said. "David Ray(-Campoy) and Ryan Khedoo both had spectacular goals and Aiden Cavanaugh gave Ryan a pin point pass on his goal. Great team win."

Up Next

Kansas City will come back home, where they are undefeated in conference play (3-0-0), for two conference matchups next week.
First, the Roos square off with CSU Bakersfield Friday at 7 p.m. CT at Durwood Stadium. This is a pivotal game for both teams tied at 6th in the conference, battling for that final spot to punch a ticket to the WAC Tournament.
Then, California Baptist comes to town for a conference matchup Sunday at 2 p.m. CT at Durwood Stadium. CBU currently sits two spots atop the Roos in fourth place.

Quick Hitters

The lucky number two. When the Roos score two goals in a game like they did tonight, their record is a perfect 5-0.
Filippo Errico picks up his second shutout of the season, making four incredible saves and several high IQ clearances.
Ryan Khedoo has been on a tear the past three weeks, scoring four goals in five games. The junior transfer has come up big for the Roos all season and remains the leading scorer on the team.
David Ray-Campoy scored his third goal on the season tonight off of a free kick. All three of his goals have come off of set pieces this season.