PHOENIX, Ariz. - The Golden Grizzlies lost to Grand Canyon 7-2 on Thursday at GCU Stadium. Oakland was limited to five shots while facing 25 from GCU. The Golden Grizzlies managed both of their goals in the second half of this one, while keeper
Cole Thompson tallied eight saves for the second consecutive contest.
The Golden Grizzlies fell behind early after GCU scored at 2:59 and again at 3:32, falling into a quick 2-0 deficit. Oakland worked back into the half with corner kicks in the eighth and 18th minutes, and
Miller Knestrict and Christopher Jean Leger each forced saves from Beltran Fernandez before the midpoint of the half.Â
Cole Thompson made an early save on Arnau Camaño and the Golden Grizzlies held through a Lopes push from 20:01 to 30:51 that included multiple corners, blocked shots and a João Gonçalinho attempt off the left woodwork. GCU added a goal in the 39th minute, and Oakland reached halftime trailing 3-0.
The Golden Grizzlies cut a 3-0 deficit to 3-2 early in the second half, with
Andriy Bilous scoring off
Julian Kanzler's assist at 51:12 before another goal at 55:34.Â
Thompson kept OU within one during that stretch with saves at 53:14 and 54:11, then added another stop at 62:06 before GCU answered at 63:24 to make it 4-2.Â
GCU added three more goals after that, while Thompson finished the half with six saves, and the Golden Grizzlies fell 7-2.
Both Bilous and Mateer scored their first goals of the season, while
Julian Kanzler recorded an assist.
Up next, Oakland opens conference play as they host Cleveland State University on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, at 7 p.m.Â
