MORAGA, Calif. –  No. 8 Saint Mary's completed their third consecutive win of the season following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Grand Canyon.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gaels sealed the win on Friday with a goal in the 48th minute by Anders Engebretsen. Following a foul in the box, Engebretsen took the penalty kick and scored his third goal of the season after sending the ball into the back of the net over the jumping GCU goalie.

Remi Prieur made the biggest save of the game in the 73rd minute when a Lope defender shot the ball towards the center of the net but Prieur made an impressive diving catch to prevent Grand Canyon from scoring. Prieur was only forced to make two saves during the entire contest. 

Both teams had a strong defensive performance in the first half as Saint Mary's recorded four shots while Grand Canyon recorded three. Jake Rudel had a close scoring opportunity when Engebretsen danced his way around a Lope defender to cross the ball to Rudel for a header but the Grand Canyon goalie made the stop to keep the teams locked in a scoreless tie.

Saint Mary's held the edge in scoring chances as they outshot Grand Canyon 15-8 in the match. Engebretsen led all players in the match with five attempts at goal.

In the 48th minute, GCU's Nick Barrerio was issued a caution followed by a red card and the Lopes were forced to play down a man for the remainder of the match. The two teams were issued a total of 39 fouls combined, with SMC tallying 15 and GCU collecting 24.

THOUGHTS FROM ADAM COOPER

• "In college soccer you need to be able to grind out 1-0 games and that's what we did today. GCU is a good team. They're strong, experienced, and tough to play against. I thought we did well enough to get the result and now we'll focus on the next one."

UP NEXT: SAN JOSE STATE

• Saint Mary's will remain in the Bay Area as they will travel to San Jose to take on the Spartans on Monday at 7 p.m. Further information for the match can be found on the Gaels' schedule page.