Box Score

Photo Gallery (images by Ian Sutherland)

San Francisco, CA – Academy of Art University Men's Soccer turned in a valiant 93 minutes versus Humboldt State in the first match of its 2013 season, but the Lumberjacks took advantage of an opportunity in overtime and came away with the 2-1 victory.

"I thought the guys did well and gave a good effort," head coach Mike Keller said. "Unfortunate to not get the result we are looking for, but we have things to build on and other things to improve on. It will be good to get back on the pitch Saturday [versus Cal State Monterey Bay]."

Although neither team scored early on, the first 30 minutes were fraught with exciting moments, beginning with the Urban Knights' first attempt as redshirt junior Jon "Jay" Eldon headed one off the crossbar in the first minute. Moments later, senior Aron Ekberg put a shot on frame, but Humboldt States' Javier Torres was in position for the save.

The teams would soon trade corner kicks, but it was not until the 30th minute that the first ball met net. The Jacks' Chuck Pitts freed himself for a quick slot pass to Zach Hammond for the score from 15 yards out. ART U remained on the offensive for the rest of the half with perhaps one of their best chances coming in the 42nd minute as sophomore Kristof Urbanyi delivered a corner kick which fellow sophomore Jesus "Chava" Sanchez rocketed off the goalpost.

Halftime saw Humboldt in front 1-0, but it would not last for long in the second period. The 52nd minute saw ART U break through for its first goal of the year off the foot of junior Frederik Nagel. Following a cross that ricocheted off the goalkeeper, Nagel launched a shot from 18 yards into the back of the net, effectively tying the game at 1-1.

"Freddy had a nice game and a much needed goal," Coach Keller said. "It did spark many chances to score in the second half which hopefully will carry over for next game.  Aron and Freddy both gave some good chances and will look to improve on that."

The Lumberjacks tried to quickly respond back, but despite repeated attempts from Hammond and Pitts, junior Joshua Leader and the Academy of Art defense firmly held the line. As both teams traded possessions, the Knights nearly had the advantage on a smooth pass from Ekberg to Sanchez for the opportunity, but offsides was called and the goal rescinded.

Moving into the first overtime period knotted up at 1-1, the teams found themselves in a contest that would be decided under the 'golden goal' format with the next score deciding the match's outcome. Unfortunately for ART U, that goal was scored by Humboldt's Dan Mariani right at the goal line off a cross from Riki Michael in the 93rd minute. The result, which was debated among the referees for its potential to be called offsides, gave the Jacks a 2-1 victory.

Nagel had the lone goal for Academy of Art (0-1) while Mariani and Hammond each registered goals for the Jacks (1-0). Leader offered five saves in just over 93 minutes for his ART U debut while Humboldt's Torres posted four saves.

The Urban Knights will next be in action at Cal State Monterey Bay this Saturday, Sept. 5. Live stats will be available. The non-conference matchup is set for 12:30 PM.