Box Score
Roseville, CA -- The Academy of Art University men’s soccer team battled William Jessup University through two scoreless periods Thursday afternoon before an overtime goal gave the Warriors the 1-0 edge. On the road for their season opener at Mahany Field, the Urban Knights out-shot the Warriors 12-9 and played strong defense, but WJU managed to convert a goal in the 93rd minute and take the match.
“The guys played well today,” Head Coach Daniel Rosaia said. “We had a little bit of a slow start in first half, but we really came out and played well in second half. Our team finished regulation in really dominating fashion. Then, in overtime, [William Jessup] got through one time and that was the difference.”
ART U pushed its offense in the opening period. With seven shots including five on goal, the Knights were looking for the early advantage to start the game. The Warriors were held to just four shots in the first half and junior goalkeeper Daniel Waller got off to a solid start by saving both of WJU’s attempts on goal.
In the second half, Academy of Art University withstood four corner kicks by William Jessup and still did not allow a ball into the net. A relentless Urban Knight defense held the Warriors to only two shots in the period. The referee blew his whistle after 90 minutes were complete and the teams then headed into overtime with the game still scoreless.
The tie was broken nearly four minutes into the additional period when WJU’s Mitch Chilcott found David Ayvazyan in the box for the game-winning score. Academy of Art University put up a valiant effort through regulation and just could not hold on.
Offensively, junior forward Andrew Cruz recorded five shots, including four on goal while freshman defender Gustav Hedberg, sophomore forward Brazer Bozlak, and junior midfielder Richard Martin each had a shot on goal. Waller turned in a complete-game performance in goal with five saves and the one goal allowed.
“We just didn’t finish our chances today,” Coach Rosaia said. “The defense played well. We were a little bit rusty still as it was our first match of the season, but we’ll polish a few things and get guys going in the right direction.”
ART U is now 0-1 on their young season while William Jessup wins its first match and moves to 1-2.
The Urban Knights continue with a road game against another Cal Pac Conference member in Bethany University this Saturday, Sept. 4. The match is set to begin at 1:00 PM in Soquel, CA (Soquel High School - 401 Old San Jose Rd) following the Academy of Art University women’s soccer match.