LOS ANGELES — Grand Canyon survived a penalty shootout thriller, defeating UCLA 4-3 on spot kicks Thursday after 110 scoreless minutes in the NCAA Division I Championship at Wallis Annenberg Stadium.
The defensive stalemate featured few clear chances early. Sergi Solans Ormo tested Grand Canyon goalkeeper Daniel Ibarra twice in the opening seven minutes, but both attempts were turned aside. The Bruins dominated possession throughout, outshooting the Lopes and earning seven corner kicks to Grand Canyon's five.
UCLA generated the better opportunities in regulation, with Ibarra making crucial saves to deny Solans Ormo (78:44), Francis Bonsu (80:34), and Konstantinos Georgallides (76:53) in the second half. Grand Canyon's best chances came through Richard Tabares and Ben Assane Fall, whose efforts were matched by UCLA keeper Kevin Box.
Neither team could break through despite UCLA recording six shots on target to Grand Canyon's two, forcing two overtime periods. The additional 20 minutes produced more desperation than clarity, with both defenses holding firm.
The penalty shootout proved decisive. Grand Canyon converted four attempts while UCLA managed three, with Daniel Ibarra's saves proving crucial. The upset sends the Lopes to face ninth-seeded San Diego, while UCLA's season ends despite controlling much of the match.