Match #2
ART U Urban Knights (0-1-0) vs. Cal State Monterey Bay Otters (1-0-1)
Friday, Sept. 10, 2021 at 12:30 p.m.
San Francisco – Paul Goode Field
Live Stats & Video

EARLY-SEASON BATTLES
Aiming for their first win of the season in the second attempt, Academy of Art women's soccer will play host to the Cal State Monterey Bay Otters from the familiar confines of Paul Goode Field on Friday, the Knights' last home match before hitting the road. 

KICKOFF
Thursday's battle with the Otters will be another afternoon contest, with kickoff set for 12:30 p.m. Remember to follow @ARTU_Knights via the athletics app (Apple App Store, Google Play Store) and on Twitter & Instagram, as well as "Like" the Urban Knights on Facebook for score updates, videos, and recaps. 

KNIGHT WATCH
The Knights were not able to get on the scoreboard in the season's opening match against Cal State Dominguez Hills, but it was not for a lack of looks, as ART U totaled five shots over the course of the match. While only two of those looks made it on target, ART U had a pair of breakaway chances that would end up just wide of the goal. All five shots from the Knights came from different players, with senior midfielder Sydney Cooke and sophomore defender Raquel Calvo Mendez putting their attempts on net. Sophomore goalkeeper Nicole Peoples would have a strong effort despite the loss, making a total of 10 saves with an .833 save percentage. 

SLOWING DOWN THE OTTERS
Thus far in fall 2021 Cal State Monterey Bay remains undefeated, as the Otters opened the season with a tight 1-0 win over Cal State East Bay before playing to a scoreless draw against Menlo. Scoring the only goal this far into the season was Alexandra Diaz, with the assist going to Jasmine Safarians, the game winner coming in the 85th minute over CSUEB. In goal, Maleni Morales has posted a 1-0-1 record in two relief appearances, making four saves on eight shots faced over 110 minutes between the posts. The Otters lead the Knights in the all-time series, 3-1. 

DESPITE CHANCES, WOMEN'S SOCCER BESTED IN OPENER
Academy of Art women's soccer relished the opportunity to take the field against opponents outside of the Pacific West Conference for the first time since 2019, as ART U faced off against Cal State Dominguez Hills in the 2021 season opener on Friday. An early Toros goal would make it an uphill battle for the Urban Knights, who despite having chances in both halves, would see CSUDH walk away with the 2-0 win. 

LOOKING AHEAD
Academy of Art will be on the road for the first time in fall 2021 the next time out, as the Knights will travel to face Simpson on Sept. 20 before battling Holy Names in non-conference action on Sept. 22.