Box Score

Fresno, CA -- Academy of Art University men's soccer hung tough against an early goal from their opponents, Fresno Pacific, but could not break through despite an offense-heavy second half. Behind by only a single goal for the majority of the match, ART U had seven of its nine shot attempts in a second period they controlled. FPU, however, would end up prevailing 2-0 on its own Ramirez Field on Saturday.

“Our guys played well tonight,” head coach Daniel Rosaia said. “We played pass for pass with a very good FPU team. I felt we were unlucky not to get a goal in the second half as we spent most of it on their end.”

The Sunbirds got started shortly after kickoff with the first goal of the match in the fifth minute by way of a header by Rodrigo Vianna off a corner kick by Fabricio Nazere and an initial headed pass by Luke Tyler. The Urban Knights were pushing forward on the other end, but could not seem to find their rhythm. In the 34th minute, sophomore Jonmundur Gretarsson headed a shot at the goal though FPU goalkeeper Fabian Rangel was there for the save.

Coming out of halftime determined to play its own brand of soccer, ART U had a shot attempt by junior Aron Ekberg in the 56th minute open up a wave of steady attacks by the Urban Knights. Freshmen Jesus "Chava" Sanchez and Kristof Urbanyi each had their shots go wide before senior Grimur Grimsson headed one close in the 66th minute though again Rangel had the stop.

FPU later managed to block attempts by Sanchez and sophomore Thorvaldur "Thobbi" Sveinsson before senior goalkeeper Ian Sutherland made a great save in the 85th minute. However, the shot was followed up by Julian Mattliano for a goal with 86:00 exactly on the clock. The score put Fresno Pacific ahead 2-0 and unfortunately ended what had a close, one-goal match most of the way.

Seven different ART U attempted shots in the match, led by three from Sanchez. Attempts on frame came from Ekberg, Grimsson, and Gretarsson while Sutherland contributed another full 90 minutes in goal with five saves. The Knights are now 3-11-1 overall and 2-7-1 in PacWest.

Fresno Pacific, who moves to 9-3 overall, 7-3 in PacWest action, was playing without forward Paul Islas due to injury, but had goals by Vianna and Mattaliano. Assists came from Tyler, Nazere, and Nogales. In goal, Rangel got had three saves.

The Urban Knights now look ahead to their final home match of the season. Senior Day comes your way at Crocker Amazon Park on Friday, Oct. 26. Be sure to sign up for the FAN BUS by clicking the image below: