Box Score
Belmont, CA – The Academy of Art University's women's soccer team played their final road game of the season against Notre Dame de Namur University on Thursday afternoon. It was a re-match of the double overtime game that resulted in a tie the last time these two teams met. Notre Dame de Namur came out with tough offense, but it was matched by the Urban Knights' even tougher defense. The game went back and forth through the beginning, but the Argos scored a late goal that would prove to be enough. At the end of the 90 minute battle, the Knights fell short with a score of 0-1.
The game started off with an offensive charge by the Argos. NDNU led the tempo of the game as they were the only team to record shots in the first 10 minutes of play. But ART U's defense was solid, and kept the Argos scoreless. The Knights then turned their offense around, and they too started putting up shots. The first half went back and forth, as each team looked for their opportunity.
"I am very proud of the defensive team effort at this point in the season," said Head Coach Aileen Nasypany. "The team held each other accountable, and worked hard to cover each other all over the field to hold Notre Dame scoreless in the first half."
Urban Knights' goal keeper Hana Klimek, kept her team in the game. She halted shot after shot from the Argos, in hopes that her team would land a goal first. Unfortunately, in the start of the second half, the Argo's offensive pressure paid off; and they scored the first and only goal of the game. The Knights tried to come back, but were unable to recover, and failed to score any goals of their own. ART U fought hard, but ultimately came up short.
“Notre Dame is a good program that just beat Grand Canyon this weekend. We were able to battle with them the whole game and just weren't able to make the most of our opportunities offensively,” added Nasypany.
Klimek had another terrific game in the net for the Knights. She tied her personal record of 13 saves in a game. Klimek played all 90 minutes and recorded three saves in the first half, and 10 in the second. “Goalkeeper Hana Klimek came up big,” exclaimed Coach Nasypany. “She owned the 18 yard box, was key in the organization of the back line, grabbed crosses off player's heads, and shut down players completely on breakaway 1v1s.”
Emi Sullivan and Hannah Emmett both had a strong offensive day for ART U. They both had two shots, including one shot on goal in the game. Lauren Umana also stepped up and had one shot on goal, and Megan Bucci recorded one shot on the day.
For the Argos, Sarah Biser stood out as she recorded the only goal in the game. She also had five shots, four which were on goal. Margo Rasteiro received the assist, and had two shots on the day, and her teammate Victoria Colon rounded things out with five shots, two which were on goal.
After the loss, the Academy of Art University's record falls to 2-12-3 overall, and 1-11-1 in conference, while Notre Dame de Namur University's record is at 8-7-2 overall, and 6-5-2 in conference. The Urban Knights now return home to host their final game of the 2010 season. They host Dixie State College on Saturday, November 6th. Game time is set for 8:30 am at Boxer Stadium. This will also be the Urban Knights' senior day, where they will honor their senior Miriam Tolentino before kick-off.
“We are going to ride this good defensive performance and put our best foot forward against Dixie. The team is ready to re-group and really bring it in our last home game of the season,” said Nasypany.
