Box Score: Grand Canyon 4, Coyotes 1

CHICO -- The Cal State San Bernardino men's soccer team got off to a slow start and never recovered, losing to Pacific West champion Grand Canyon 4-1 on Friday in an NCAA Division II West Regional opener at Chico State.

The Antelopes (15-2-2) never trailed, with Joao Vieira scoring for the first time 11 minutes into the game. That goal came just minutes after one by the Coyotes' Marco Martinez hit a post.

Things didn't get any better. Martinez was dealt a red card with 22 minutes into the half, after being called for a hand ball at the mouth of the goal. The Coyotes (13-6-1) played the remainder of the game down a player. They got a reprieve as goalkeeper Tanner Olinger saved a penalty kick by Kyle Ciliento.

But Ciliento did score his 26th goal of the season off a free kick with 13 minutes left in the half for a 2-0 lead.

"It's tough being down a player that early especially against a good team,” CSUSB coach Noah Kooiman said. “With the system we play it changes everything we do.”

The Coyotes' lone goal came on a header by Jose Godinezon an assist by Harry Cruz, but came with Grand Canyon already up 4-0.

“They were the better team today,” Kooiman said. “We felt we were ready. We played a good game against Somona (in the CCAA Championship Tournament) and we came into the regional with a little bit of a swagger, but Grand Canyon was the better team tonight.”

Grand Canyon had 18 shots to 16 for the Coyotes.

It was the third postseason appearance for the Coyotes, who also lost the regional opener in 2009. Their only other appearance came back in 1991.