Box Score

Burnaby, British Columbia -- The Urban Knights women's soccer team traveled north to play their first international match against Simon Fraser University, and ART U came away with a 1-0 win on Saturday night. Beth Barker scored late in the second half and the Knights drew even on the season.

The two teams were scoreless at the half after a strong defensive effort by both sides. Simon Fraser outshot the Urban Knights in the first half 4-1, but both teams came up empty to stay tied. The Clan also out-fouled the Knights 9-0 in the first half.

"We struggled to figure out the midfield in the first half," said head coach Aileen Nasypany. "We made a tactical adjustment that allowed us to put SFU under more pressure. At training this week, we worked on reading the game better to see what the opponent was giving us so I knew my backs would find the right ball eventually."

In the 61st minute, the Urban Knights took advantage of a Simon Fraser miscue, exemplifying the importance of playing to the whistle. Hanna Aronzon got it forward, and with Beth Barker streaking down the field, a lot of the Simon Fraser players thought she was offsides. But the flags stayed down, and Barker ended up one-on-one with the Clan goalie, getting it past her and into the net for her third goal of the year.

The Knights defense took it the rest of the way, turning away three shots and denying every attempt made by the SFU attack. Goalkeeper Rachael Rempe only had one save on the night, and that was in the first half. Hannah Emmett and Jasmine Sharpe had two shots a piece, and Réa Laudat added another, but it was Barker's one shot that made the difference in the game.

"I love to watch the pep in my team's step right after we score a goal," Nasypany said. "They move with confidence, intensity, and focus. Our two captain seniors, Jasmine Sharpe and Tanner McCandlish, were instrumental in their efforts and communication to keep our young team organized through the final minutes to solidify a hard fought win and shutout."

The Knights will return home and start their conference schedule with six straight home games, starting with the newest members Azusa Pacific (Sep 13) and Point Loma Nazarene University (Sep. 15).