Box Score
Soquel, CA – It was a team effort for the Urban Knights as they took on Bethany University in their season opener late Saturday morning. The Academy women came out attacking and it showed as their offense overpowered their opponents from the get go. ART U held nothing back and put up three goals in the first half, and four in the second to defeat the Bruins with a final score of 7-1.
“To start off with a convincing win is the best way to set the tone for the season,” said Head Coach Aileen Nasypany. When the Knights took the field Saturday, determination was written on their face as they were looking for the first win of their season. And they wasted little time getting it.
Just over seven minutes into the game, sophomore Carmela Doerr put one into the Bruin's goal with an assist by freshman Hannah Emmett. Less than two minutes later the Urban Knights struck again, with another goal by Doerr, assisted by sophomore Jasmine Sharpe. After the goals the Knights let up for a brief second and Bethany took full advantage.
“There was a point where we let Bethany in when they scored a breakaway goal late in the first half making the score 2-1,” added Nasypany. “However, Captain junior Megan Bucci pierced a brilliant direct kick into the back of the net less than five minutes later. This goal symbolized individual leadership and a sense of urgency from the team as a whole take control back quickly.”
ART U stayed on their game for the second half and added to their lead by recording four more goals. The defense also played a huge role in this victory as they prohibited the opponents from getting near the goal and kept the Bruins to just one shot on goal all game. Academy of Art outshot Bethany 24-1.
“Junior defensemen Megan Bucci had a major impact both offensively and defensively controlling the tempo of the game,” said Aileen Nasypany. Bucci posted one goal and two assists in the game. Also having a strong game was Emmett who recorded a hat trick with three goals and one assist. Sharpe also stood out with one goal and and two assists, and Doerr rounded it out with two goals of her own.
Sierra Licata scored the lone goal for the Bruins, and Katelyn James and Tianna Wehby split time in the goal recording three saves and four saves respectively.
With the win, the Academy of Art University's record improves to 1-0 overall and Bethany University's record falls to 0-1 overall. The Knights hope to carry the momentum from the win over to their next game on September 9th when they head to Atherton, CA to take on Menlo College. Game time is set for 2:00 pm at Wunderlich field.
