Box Score

San Francisco, CA – In their final game of the season, the Academy of art University's women's soccer team hosted Dixie State in an early morning game on Saturday. The Urban Knight women were full of emotion for two reasons; one: it was their last game of the season, and they weren't going to hold anything back, and two: it was senior day for the Urban Knights. ART U came out attacking in full force at the start of the game. But the Red Storm's offense was overpowering and they were able to take an early lead. The Urban Knights however, never let up. They fought the entire match, and were able to score a goal to keep their team in the game. But despite their best efforts, the Urban Knights couldn't generate enough offense, and came up short with a final score of 1-3.

“Today was a special day for the Academy of Art University Women's Soccer program as we held our first ever Senior Day,” commented Head Coach Aileen Nasypany. “Miriam Tolentino has honored for the outstanding accomplishments academically and a true passion for the game which she brought forth every time she stepped on the field.”

Before the start of the game, ART U honored their lone senior Miriam Tolentino. After the recognition, the Knights wasted little time getting things going. From the first whistle, the Knights looked like a different team as they came out with fire and intensity. However, the Red Storm managed to score a goal in the first few minutes of the game. But the Knights answered right back just a couple minutes later with a shot on goal by Hannah Emmett, that barely missed the net. Dixie then added to their lead by scoring once more in the half to take a 2-0 lead.

The Knights used the halftime to rest up and re-group, and came out with the same intensity as before.  The women had plenty of opportunities to score as their offense tested the Red Storm's defense time after time. They were putting up shots, but none were finding the goal. Finally, late in the second half, the Knights' caught a break.

ART U had a corner shot that deflected off a defender, and Solveig Barnes was able to set up her positioning and take her shot. She played the ball off the deflection, and put it perfectly into the net for the Knights' lone goal of the game.

Even as time was running low, the Urban Knights never faltered. They kept pushing and putting the pressure on Dixie until the very end. The women came up with a few last minute close shots, but unfortunately they couldn't land another goal, and ultimately fell short in the game.

“As a young team, we have struggled with the confidence to put a goal in after we have been scored on first. Today was a great day because we showed we are not that team anymore. I am so proud of the team for battling the entire match. This match showed we can battle with any opponent in our conference,” said Coach Nasypany.

The Urban Knights' goal keeper Hana Klimek, had another stellar game for her team. She was pounded by the powerful Dixie State offense the entire game, but she held her ground. Hana recorded five saves in the first half, and eight in the second, for a total of 13 saves. This ties both the team high and her personal high in saves per game.

"Sophomore Hana Klimek stepped into the net for the second half of the season and has really taken ownership of the position," added Nasypany. "She has not only been setting school records, but also starting to become the backbone of our backline. Her constant communication throughout the matches serves important roles such as accountability, inspiration, and defensive organization."

Offensively, the Knights were led by Barnes who had two shots, one that was on goal, and the only goal for her team. Also doing well was Emmett was also had two shots, including one on goal in the game. Lauren Umana recorded on shot on goal, and Megan Bucci posted one shot on the day.

For the Red Storm, Erin Beeston did well with two shots on goal, and the game winning goal, as did Wendy Stratford who had one shot on goal, and one goal, and Kelsey Tesoro who recorded one goal in the game. Also standing out was Mindy Beckstrom who had seven shots, five which were on goal, and one assist. Seven other Red Storm players recorded shots in the game.

At the conclusion on their season, the Academy of Art University's record stands at 2-13-3 overall and 1-12-1 in conference, while Dixie State College's record is at 12-6 overall, and 9-5 in conference. The Urban Knights' third season in existence has now come to an end. Be sure to stay up to date with your Urban Knights during the off season by following them online at www.academyartathletics.com and on twitter and facebook.

“The team and coaching staff are already anxiously looking to the off-season and next year to have some time to get our injured players healthy, add another strong recruiting class, and build off the strong showing in the second half of the season," exclaimed Aileen Nasypany.