Coope’s Second Half Goal Secures Another Shutout Victory

Wednesday, September 16

Phoenix, AZ

6:00 PM

California Baptist University

4-2-0, 0-0-0

Grand Canyon University

2-5-0, 0-0-0

Team	1	2	Final F
California Baptist	0	1	1
Grand Canyon	0	0	0

CBU Notes

Photo by: Matt Horrocks

Coope’s Second Half Goal Secures Another Shutout Victory

9/16/2026 8:45:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

By: Matt Horrocks, Assistant Athletic Director of Communications and Digital Media

PHOENIX, AZ --- The long-standing rivalry that is California Baptist and Grand Canyon was renewed on Wednesday, as the Lancers visited their former conference foes in Phoenix. Thanks to a 61st-minute counterattack, the only scoring of the night came via the Lancers, as they exited Arizona with a second consecutive 1-0 win.

Wednesday's shutout improves CBU's record in 2026 to 4-2-0. All four of the Lancers' victories have been in shutout fashion.

"Really proud of this team for the grit and resilience we showed yet again tonight," said head coach Coe Michaelson. "We are stretched very thin at the moment, but guys keep stepping up. One of those guys tonight was Nico (Cooper), who scored a big time goal against a very good team. Make no mistake, GCU has been very unfortunate in some of their results, but (Jamie Davies) has a very good team who I think will be right in the mix for the NCAA Tournament."

Scoreless through an hour of soccer, the Lancers caught the break both sides had been looking for when freshman Haruna Lukwago cleared the ball downfield, finding junior Blake D'Agostino. D'Agostino, CBU's leading goal scorer, set up the Lancers' lone goal of the day when he played the ball to sophomore Nico Coope. Coope dribbled into the penalty area, cut right, and fired a right-footed attempt toward the near post that found the back of the net.

NICOOOOOO 🤯 #LanceUp⚔️ pic.twitter.com/5qAjYwgxQO
— California Baptist Men's Soccer (@CBUmsoccer) September 17, 2026

The goal was the second of Coope's collegiate career. Coope scored one goal in 2025 during a late-season match against California Lutheran.

CBU aimed to add a second goal on the night and seemingly lock in the victory, and it appeared that opportunity would come in the 81st minute. Junior Felix Ezekwuka was knocked down in the penalty area, but no foul was called. A minute later, the center referee stopped the match, signaling for VAR to see if a penalty would be awarded to the Lancers for the fourth consecutive match.

After video review, the referee deemed Ezekwuka was indeed fouled and signaled for a CBU penalty. However, GCU signaled for a coach's challenge, contending that senior Drew Hardin was offside earlier in the sequence, a call, if confirmed, would negate the Lancers' penalty. After a second review, a call of offside was made, taking away the penalty chance.

GCU had its looks on goal, registering three attempts on frame that were all saved by freshman Ulrik Stroem. Stroem, who made his fourth start of the season, recorded his third consecutive shutout.

STONEWALLED BY STROEM 🪨 #LanceUp⚔️ pic.twitter.com/ACn2nedZKP
— California Baptist Men's Soccer (@CBUmsoccer) September 17, 2026

The Lancers closed the night with six shots on goal. Adam Marsli had two looks on frame, including a curled attempt toward the upper corner that was negated by a leaping save from GCU's AJ Mather-Nash.

Mather-Nash totaled four saves. GCU added a team save late on a late look from D'Agostino.

The Lancers will return to Riverside and the CBU Soccer Stadium on Sunday when CBU takes on its fourth foe from the WCC, the University of the Pacific. CBU is 2-1 in their three other looks at the WCC, including shutout victories against Denver and LMU.

Sunday's kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m., and tickets can be purchased HERE.