IRVINE, CALIF. – Academy of Art women's soccer faced off with Concordia in their 2016 season finale, but the Urban Knights could not break the Eagles' defense, falling 5-0.
 
In the first half, ART U did well to keep CUI off the board. Despite facing 12 shots, sophomore goalkeeper Morgan Wirz was able to deny nine on goal, including four in the opening six minutes. The only goal allowed was a penalty kick taken by Concordia's Keely Abt in the 33rd-minute. The Eagles' defense also proved to be stingy, only allowing one shot in the opening period which was taken by junior midfielder Abi Chavez.
 
In the second half, CUI's offense played with a renewed sense of energy. The Knights' opponent added 14 shots to their total, resulting in three goals. ART U was unable to build any momentum in their attack as the Eagles' defense held Academy of Art to just two shots.
 
Despite the offensive front put on by Concordia, Wirz collected a career-high 13 saves in the final game of the season before being replaced by junior goalkeeper Maggie Alikpala-Wilson 25 minutes into the second half. Alikpala-Wilson saved two shots of her own, bringing their collective save total to 15, the second-most saves in a single match in program history. Wirz's 13 saves alone are tied for the second-most by any individual goalie in women's soccer's nine-year history and the most since almost exactly six years ago: Hana Klimek saved 13 shots on November 6, 2010 against Dixie State. The Graphic Design major finished the season with 96 saves, the third-most in the conference, and the most out of any keeper to only start 14 matches.
 
With the season at an end, the Urban Knights finished 13th in the PacWest, following Holy Name's loss to UH Hilo earlier this afternoon. ART U will now return to San Francisco where they will prepare for the 2017 campaign.