Box Score

Photo Gallery (images by Kier LaCrosse)

St. George, UT -- Under the lights inside Hansen Stadium on Friday evening, Academy of Art men's soccer struck first, but a late offensive push by Dixie State College turned the tide. The Red Storm earned a 4-1 victory despite the Urban Knights' early advantage created off a goal by sophomore forward Aron Ekberg in the 31st minute.

"We had a great first half and just let the game slip away in the second," Head Coach Daniel Rosaia said. "The boys came out and played hard as a team. I was very proud of their effort."

During a four minute period early in the opening half, Academy of Art had several opportunities including a shot on goal by sophomore midfielder Patrick Heinemann, but DSC goalkeeper Tyler Walters was there for the save. In the 27th minute, Ekberg served up a shot only to have his attempt blocked by the Red Storm defense. However, the Knights' Swedish striker would connect soon after with the match's first goal off an assist by junior midfielder Brazer Bozlak. Via a pass coming to the middle of the field, Ekberg dribbled to the right and effectively beat out the Dixie goalie for the score.

Shortly before halftime, the Red Storm's Jordan Roylance provided the equalizer by way of a header goal in the 41st minute. Dixie State seemed to turn up its offense quickly into the second half and in the 61st minute, the home team converted their pressure into a goal. Erik Shallenberger took a pass from Tyler Arbuckle on the right side and managed to score in an open portion of the field. With a mere one-goal difference, the match remained close as the Red Storm became more physical as six fouls were charged to them during the 20 minutes that followed.

More chances came for ART U within that window of time, though it was a third goal for DSC which ended up coming next. After a Roylance shot attempt rebounded off the crossbar in the 80th minute, the Dixie forward was able to find the ball once again and guide it home. One final goal came for Dixie State in the 86th minute, but by then it had little effect on the match's outcome, a 4-1 Red Storm victory.

With his first goal of the season, Ekberg emerged as the top offensive player for the Urban Knights in Friday night's match. He had one goal, two shots, and played a full 90 minutes on the field. Bozlak added his first assist of the season and the second of his ART U career. Also offering a solid performance up front was Heinemann who finished with three shots including one on frame. Junior goalkeeper Ian Sutherland made his third start of the season and collected four saves in a complete game effort defensively. With September's matches now complete, Academy of Art stands at 1-6 overall, 0-3 in PacWest play.

Roylance had two goals for Dixie State in addition to leading the team with seven shots (three on goal). Shallenberger and Joshua Cook each scored one goal apiece while two assists came from Arbuckle and one from and Nyle Ortiz. Walters allowed one goal and had one save in his 90 minutes of action between the pipes. The Red Storm record is now 3-2-1 overall, 2-0 in the PacWest.

ART U will return to San Francisco and has a full week off before its next match. On Oct. 1, the Knights are in action against Chaminade at Boxer Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 4:00 PM following the women's contest.