A second narrow loss in two games saw Grasshoppers drop to fifth in the league and out of the playoff zone for the first time since the opening weekend of the season.
The Zurich team left the field noticeably disappointed having known it was an opportunity of three points missed.
Grasshoppers nonetheless started the game incredibly well and took the lead in the first quarter. The GC goal came from birthday boy Rick Coope winning a penalty corner which leading goalscorer and Man of the Match Constantin Scheuer duly dispatched into the roof of the Basel net. The much maligned Basel discipline continued to be tested but even with significantly more possession and chances; GC couldn't build on their lead.
Basel started to impose themselves in the second quarter with their typically more aggressive approach and claimed the equalizer when a goal-mouth scramble somehow got over the line. The first half ended with honours even; much to the frustration of the home side.
The second half saw more chances for both sides with Andrew Palmer coming closest for Grasshoppers with a trademark tomahawk which ferociously hit the post. However; it was Basel who took the lead with a similarly scrappy goal to their first.
At 2-1 down; the final quarter saw Grasshoppers reassert their dominance in search of the equalizer but whilst they created multiple chances none of them were converted and with the final whistle Basel emerged victorious.
GC look to get back on the victory bus with a home game against Olten on Sunday 28th May.