SURPRISE, Ariz. - The GC women's soccer team left for Arizona on Thursday and played their first of two games in The Grand Canyon State on Friday. They lost to #21 Ottawa University Arizona 1-0.

Goshen came out strong against the ranked program and the game was scoreless at halftime. By the end of the first half, OUAZ had five shots and Goshen had taken four while in control for most of the half. In the 58th minute, Diane Garcia scored the lone goal of the match on a cannon shot that found the corner. The Leafs had just one shot in the second half while OUAZ had another five. Three of Goshen's five shots were on target. A year ago, the Spirit were 13-4-2 and were the GSAC Co-Regular Season Champions.

Brynja Hjartardottir had two of the on-target shots and Anita Tavares came off the bench to provide the third. Lexy Adamczyk and Madalyne Swallow also had a shot each. Makiah McCain made three saves in goal.

The team will explore the Grand Canyon on Saturday and will come back to Goshen late Monday after playing Arizona Christian earlier that day. That game will start at 12:00 pm EST.