Box Score
San Francisco, CA -- Taking on last season's Pacific West Conference champion in Grand Canyon, the Academy of Art University Urban Knights sustained a tough 6-0 loss Saturday afternoon at Boxer Stadium. ART U hung with the reigning champs for the first 15 minutes, but the 'Lopes took a lead midway through the first half and held on for the victory.
After battling through a scoreless initial stretch, Grand Canyon scored the match's first goal in the 12th minute off a header by forward Cordero Young. An unfortunate sequence then unfolded later in that minute when junior goalkeeper Daniel Waller came out to make a save and collided with forward Pat Perkins of GCU. The shot got past Waller and the Antelopes had a 2-0 advantage in the opening period.
Resilient Academy of Art University defense kept Grand Canyon off the scoreboard for the remainder of the half and the Knights tried to capitalize on an opportunity in the 27th minute.
Early in the second period, Grand Canyon struck again with a goal in the 45th minute. ART U would have cut into the 3-0 deficit in the 61st minute when junior forward Andrew "Boomer" Cruz and senior midfielder Kyle Mannschreck worked in unison to create a possible score. The tandem employed a give-and-go attack with short passes and quick moves, but Cruz's shot sailed wide of the goal.
GCU added scores in the final 15 minutes of the match and earned the win. The 'Lopes are currently first in the PacWest standings with a 2-0 conference record and 3-0-1 overall. The Knights now sport a 1-4 overall record, 0-2 in PacWest play.
For Academy of Art University, Cruz led the way with two shots while freshman forward Willie Broderick each attempted a shot as well. In goal, Waller notched two saves and freshman goalkeeper Garret Spenst added five saves in his ART U debut.
The Antelopes got a pair of goals from forward Kyle Ciliento and a pair of assists from Harvey Martinez. Young added two goals as well while goalkeeper Ben Paneccasio earned the shutout after playing all 90 minutes.
One final home match remains before Academy of Art University departs for its intense five-game Hawaii roadtrip. The Knights welcome Hawaii-Hilo to Boxer Stadium on Sept. 22 with opening kickoff set for 11:00 AM.
