Title Defense Starts Shaky in Season Opening 2-1 Loss at Grand Canyon

Box Score

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- The bull's eye on the back of the defending national champion Cal State Dominguez Hills men's soccer team took its first hit tonight as host Grand Canyon came away with a 2-1 win in Antelope Stadium, dropping the Toros to 0-1 to start the season in the opener for both squads.

GCU's Klye Ciliento got the hosts on the board early, connecting on an unassisted score just 7:36 into the contest. Ciliento then doubled his pleasure 17 minutes later after beating Toro freshman keeper Markus Dickerson for a 2-nil lead.

Reigning NSCAA Player of the Year Kevin Gallaugher (pictured) cut the lead in half after converting his own penalty kick just four minutes into the second half, but neither offense was able to score in the Antelope win.

Dickerson made three saves in his debut, compared to four by counterpart Ben Paneccasio.

The Toros outshot GCU 13-7, including 8-3 in the second half, but were out-cornered 8-4 as the two teams combined for nine fouls each and four cautions.

CSUDH returns home on Tuesday, September 1, to host Cal State San Marcos for a 7:00 pm first kick in Toro Stadium.

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