In a remarkable week for Grand Canyon University (GCU) men’s soccer, three players earned recognition on the TopDrawerSoccer Team of the Week. Graduate goalkeeper Daniel Ibarra, along with freshman forward Junior Diouf and sophomore defender Felipe Cobian, stood out for their exceptional performances.
Lopes’ Key Victories
GCU secured a significant victory over UCLA and clinched a 2-1 win against the eighth-seed San Diego. This impressive performance marked the Lopes’ first win in the NCAA Division I Tournament.
Daniel Ibarra’s Exceptional Goalkeeping
Daniel Ibarra showcased his talent throughout the week. He delivered a standout performance against UCLA on November 20. During this match, he saved a crucial penalty kick, contributing to a 3-1 victory in penalties after a goalless draw.
- Six saves against UCLA
- Another six saves against San Diego
- Total of 12 saves with only one goal conceded
Junior Diouf’s Goal-Scoring Prowess
Junior Diouf continued to demonstrate his scoring ability, netting his 18th goal of the season. He scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute against San Diego, cementing a 2-1 win for GCU in front of a crowd of 1,500 fans.
Felipe Cobian’s Key Contributions
Sophomore Felipe Cobian played every minute in both matches and was instrumental in Diouf’s game-winning goal. He provided a critical volley pass to set up Allan Rosales, who assisted Diouf’s remarkable finish.
Looking Ahead: NCAA Tournament Third Round
GCU’s victory propels them into the Third Round of the NCAA Tournament. The Lopes will face the No. 9 seed Portland in Oregon on November 29 at 8 p.m. MST. This matchup promises to be an exciting challenge as GCU seeks to further their tournament run.
