Box Score

Hayward, Calif. -- On the road this past Monday, the Academy of Art men's soccer team fought the Cal State East Bay Pioneers to a 0-0 score after a pair of overtime periods.

The match featured a back-and-forth battle of fast-paced and physical action. In the first 45 minutes, the Urban Knights played their better of two halves as they had more dangerous opportunities than their physical and skilled opponents.

Midway through the first half, freshman striker Emmanual Onywera, the Urban Knights' leading scorer, took a cross from junior midfielder Jamie Patino and headed the ball just over the crossbar. Shortly after the missed header, Onywera beat his defender cleanly and broke through for a one-on-one chance. Unfortunately, he was injured in the process and could not return to the match.

Both teams played hard, fast, and physical in the second half. CSU East Bay's offense posted several shots on goal, but sophomore goalkeeper Jose Herrera came through with strong saves and managed to avoid danger in the box. Freshman midfielder Vilmundur Sveinsson and the rest of the AAU defense made it clear to CSUEB that penetrating the goal area was going to be difficult.

"The AAU defense is real strong," commented renowned NCAA soccer coach Frank Majolia who attended the match. "Coach Rosaia has implemented a strong 'anchor in on defense' approach and counter-attack gameplan that really seems to frustrate the opponent."

With the tie, the Urban Knights' record moves to 4-5-4 overall while the Pioneers are now 4-8-2 overall. This match marks the third shutout posted by the Academy of Art this season.

The AAU Men will play their next match against the University of California, Santa Cruz on November 1st, 2008. The match will take place at UCSC's East Remote Soccer Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 2pm.