Box Score

San Francisco, CA -- ART U Men's Soccer had its first look at another Pacific West Conference newcomer in Point Loma on Saturday out at CCSF. Though the Sea Lions captured a 3-2 victory, it was the Urban Knights' second half fight and determination which made what was a 3-0 advantage quickly anyone's game. Freshman Kristof Urbanyi and sophomore Jonmundur Gretarsson each had impressive goals for Academy of Art University in the afternoon matchup.

“The team struggled to find its rhythm in the first half against a very organized Point Loma team,” head coach Daniel Rosaia said. “I think the fact that the team battled back in the second half showed their guts and courage. Though the final result was disappointing, there were still lots of positives.”

One possession into the match, ART U was dealt a challenging blow as freshman Lennart Fleschhut exited with an injury and, though he was ready to return soon after, soccer substitution rules denied the Knights that possibility. Academy of Art University hung tough with a modified lineup and managed to rebut four corner PLNU corner kicks in the opening 32 minutes.

In the 38th minute, however, the Sea Lions converted when Griffin Fuller initially attempted a shot that was blocked by the Knights' defense and Bobby Ornelas followed up with a score from deep in the box to put Point Loma up 1-0.

Late in the period, PLNU had two chances to build on its advantage, but senior Ian Sutherland was there to stop both. Though Sutherland may have been in position to save the third, an unfortunate turn of events gave the Sea Lions another goal in the 44th minute. With just seconds left in the half, PLNU's Daniel Ten Bosch launched an attempt from 30 yards out on the left side which was headed back by junior Andrew Durano and managed to get past Sutherland on the deflection.

That gave Point Loma a 2-0 lead and, when Ten Bosch struck again early in the second period (an unassisted goal in the 51st minute), the Knights found themselves behind 3-0, but Coach Rosaia's halftime speech was not lost on them.

“At halftime, we talked about how the team played this second half would dictate the rest of our season. I said, 'We can either give up or come out fighting.' The guys continued to fight and battled as a team and that showed character despite the end result. They didn't give up.”

As the intensity picked up, Academy of Art University had three extremely close attempts before a PLNU foul set up a free kick for Urbanyi from 40 yards out. Urbanyi's bending rocket in the 62nd minute hit its target, the top left corner of the goal, and ART U was suddenly on its way to a comeback.

Just over six minutes later, it was an Icelandic connection for the Knights as senior Grimur Grimsson crossed a ball from the left side to his countryman Gretarsson for a dynamic header goal a mere five yards from the net. The contest was now practically up for grabs with one goal separating the teams and the final 20 minutes was a dogfight. Though PLNU eventually escaped with the 3-2 victory, Academy of Art University still went all out to keep itself within striking distance the rest of the way.

ART U was led by goals from Urbanyi and Gretarsson, a pair who made their shots count as they combined for three attempts on frame. Grimsson provided the assist to Gretarsson's score and Sutherland notched six saves in goal for the Knights. Academy of Art University now holds a 2-4 overall record and is 1-1 in PacWest action.

The Sea Lions improve to 2-2 overall and are now 1-1 in conference play after capturing their first PacWest victory in program history. Ten Bosch finished with a pair of goals coming off eight total shots with four on frame. Ornelas added one goal of his own while Carter Phillips picked up the win in goal after 90 minutes of action with two goals allowed and two saves.

The Urban Knights continue their homestand next Thursday and Saturday, but do so against some more familiar opponents this time. ART U first hosts Dixie State at Crocker Amazon Park on Sept. 20 then Grand Canyon back at CCSF on Sept. 22.