Box Score

San Rafael, CA -- Propelled by an early goal from freshman Jesus "Chava" Sanchez  the Academy of Art University Urban Knights hung in and held the line for a 1-0 shutout of Dominican at Kennelly Field on Thursday afternoon. Senior goalkeeper Ian Sutherland led the defensive team effort with five saves despite a hot and windy day across the bay.

“Today the team found a little rhythm and they executed well to get the early goal we needed,” head coach Daniel Rosaia said. “Both teams had chances throughout and [Dominican] is a fine team. Their program has tremendously improved. Our guys really stayed calm and composed with the lead and I was proud of that. They've been working hard and my boys deserve it.”

In the first 10 minutes, Sanchez was in search of any kind of opening, attempting the first four shots of the match by either team. The Lowell High School product would find the back of the net on his second chance in that opening span, scoring off a ball that was deflected by Dominican goalie Erik Anderson in the seventh minute.

Sanchez had five of ART U's seven total shot attempts in the first half which ended with a pair of corner kicks by junior Leonardo Bartelle. Despite the opportunities, an additional goal did not come through and Academy of Art University went into halftime up 1-0. The break was an important moment as the match had begun in the middle of the day amidst a heatwave coming through the Bay Area.

“The wind really picked up towards the end and that made it a little tricky,” Coach Rosaia said about the conditions. “This was a case of two teams playing hard today and we were pleased that we came out on top.”

Senior Grimur Grimsson and junior Sylvester Gyan were both in the mix with shots in the early portion of the second period, but the Penguins kept it close as the first sailed high and the second was saved. A late push by Dominican then put Sutherland to the test. The Honolulu, HI native denied back-to-back Penguin attempts in the 70th minute and ART U remained in front the rest of the way.

"Today was a total team effort from the bench to the starters," Coach Rosaia said. "At the end, we were under lot of pressure and nobody panicked. Our guys showed they have heart and that they want to finish the season strong."

Academy of Art University, 3-9-1 overall and 2-6-1 in PacWest action, was paced offensively by Sanchez and his third goal of the year. The shutout was Sutherland's first of the season and the eighth in his career.

"The team is really trying to take its fate into our own hands and push forward," Coach Rosaia said. "This has been a tough season with a lot of close loses. Our gameplan was to really take the game to Dominican and they fought back valiantly because they're a good team. We hope to improve on that as we move forward and finish up the season."

The Penguins, who have fallen in their past five matches, drop to 7-6 overall, 3-6 in PacWest despite four shot attempts (two on goal) from Swap Mushiana.  Defensively, Anderson finished with three saves and one goal allowed.

The Urban Knights will play one more road match before returning home to Crocker Amazon Park next Friday, Oct. 26 for Senior Day. Be sure to sign up for the fan bus here: