Box Score

Photo Gallery (images by Lorraine Etchell)

San Francisco, CA -- Facing a one-goal deficit at halftime, the Academy of Art University men's soccer team resiliently battled back to even up the score against Dixie State in a match that ended with a 1-1 final. It was the first tie for ART U since 2009 and came a result of a junior Sylvester Gyan's first goal of the season via a two-part pass from sophomore Thorvaldur "Thobbi" Sveinsson and junior Aron Ekberg in the 81st minute. Tough defense and big saves by senior Ian Sutherland held the line through two scoreless overtime periods on Thursday at Crocker Amazon Park.

“Defensively, we are finally playing solid and coming together as a unit,” head coach Daniel Rosaia said. “I think the team really showed a lot of character coming back from being down 1-0 to a strong Dixie State squad. This was truly a team effort today.”

ART U controlled the match for much of the opening half, attempting two shots in the first seven minutes while the fouls piled up for the Red Storm. In fact, a staunch Academy of Art University defense was able to keep Dixie State from even getting a shot off for the first 41 minutes.

Perhaps one of the Knights' best chances to get on the scoreboard came in the 38th minute when the ball came back to junior Leonardo Bartelle soon after his own corner kick and he put one on frame which bounced off DSC goalkeeper Tyler Walters to freshman Jesus "Chava" Sanchez. Sanchez tried a quick flick of his own, but Walters somehow managed to make the save on each occasion.

Not long after that opportunity, Dixie State scored the first goal of the match on almost a déjà vu situation on the other end of the field in the 42nd minute. Alex Cox had the initial header which deflected off Sutherland, came to Seph Azevedo, and he netted one from just three yards out.

Though a game which ART U had primarily controlled was now 1-0 in favor of the Red Storm, the Knights did not give up. In the 52nd minute, a lob flick shot by senior Grimur Grimsson just missed and bounced off the crossbar to signify Academy of Art University meant business.

Junior Patrick Heinemann and Sanchez each had shots following the 70-minute mark as ART U began to force the issue on offense once more. Though both were saved, the Knights broke through in the 81st minute on a set piece which featured a corner kick by junior Aron Ekberg, a header pass by Sveinsson in the box, and the finishing touches by junior Sylvester Gyan for the game-tying goal.

The match nearly became 2-1 Academy of Art University when sophomore Jonmundur Gretarsson got into what appeared to be a one-on-one situation with the Red Storm keeper in the 83rd minute. However, his lob shot was incredibly kicked out by a Dixie State defender at the last minute to keep the match deadlocked at 1-1 and eventually force overtime.

Both extra periods were fraught with drama as Sutherland had a huge save in the 92nd minute and Grimsson offered a near-miss on his shot attempt in the 99th minute. Still both teams battled through another 10 minutes in the second OT where the first DSC attempt was saved, another hit the crossbar, and yet the Knights hung tough to take home a 1-1 tie in the end.

Academy of Art University, now 2-4-1 overall and 1-1-1 in PacWest play, had its lone goal come off the foot of Gyan. A skilled defender, Gyan's first goal of the season also carried Ekberg's second assist of the year and Sveinsson's first. Sveinsson also demonstrated his strength in the midfield, winning numerous 50-50 balls for the Urban Knights.

“Thobbi is still working into the American game, but he has been very strong for us,” Coach Rosaia said. “We were grateful to have his brother the past four years and excited to see him develop over the next three. The future is certainly bright for Academy of Art University Men's Soccer.”

In a match where one more Red Storm goal could have easily decided the match, Sutherland was key as he finished with a total six saves in a complete 110 minutes of action.

“Ian, a senior and one of the captains of our squad, has really come up big for us with some important saves,” Coach Rosaia said. “Especially at the end of games, Ian is really showing his leadership ability.”


For Dixie State, the lone goal was credited to Seph Azevedo on his only attempt on frame. Cox initially almost had the goal, but after a rebound save came to Azevedo who netted it. Sutherland's counterpart Tyler Walters also went the distance, racking up seven saves on the day.

ART U now turns its attention to a #10 nationally ranked Grand Canyon team who defeated Holy Names 2-1 today. The Knights and Antelopes will match up at CCSF on Sept. 22 with a 12:00 PM kickoff.