Box Score

Belmont, CA -- Up against Notre Dame de Namur University, the fifth-ranked team in the West Region, Academy of Art University men's soccer shut out the Argonauts 1-0 in an impressive overtime victory. A back post header by junior defender Vilmundur Sveinsson off a cross from sophomore forward Grimur Grimsson put ART U over the top in the 95th minute Thursday afternoon at Koret Field. The win marks the Knights' fourth in OT this year as Academy of Art continues to build on its best season since the program began in 2008.

“It was just a great day for Academy of Art University men's soccer,” Head Coach Daniel Rosaia said. “The man of the match had to be our keeper, Ian Sutherland, who played out of his mind. Andrew Durano and Boomer Cruz both had great games and it was a total team effort. Then the goal by Vimmi from Grimur was beautiful. This team really understands that when it gets into OT, it's time to put it into overdrive and work hard.”

On their way to snapping the Argonauts' 10-match unbeaten streak, the Urban Knights blanked NDNU's high-powered and versatile offense in over 90 minutes of action. For such an uncanny performance, credit sophomore goalkeeper Ian Sutherland and the ART U defense. Sutherland got right to work in Academy of Art University's penultimate game of 2010 when he saved the match's first shot on frame in the 18th minute.

The physical first period did see a shot by freshman forward Patrick Heinemann that sailed wide in the 26th minute, but the Argos later retaliated with a flurry of attempts over the final 10 minutes. All chances were gloved by Sutherland as the teams would head into halftime tied 0-0.

In the second half, the intensity only escalated with five yellow cards dealt amongst the teams in a 25-minute span. Junior forward Andrew "Boomer" Cruz launched a shot in the 71st minute, but it cleared the crossbar and ART U would continue to work. As a sign of things to come, Grimsson attempted a shot in the 84th minute, but NDNU's keeper made the save. The dramatic final five minutes of the period saw three chances by Notre Dame de Namur, all by forward Christobal Montes, which the Knights collectively denied.

“The defense in the midfield was key and that's why it was a team effort,” Coach Rosaia said. “Everybody covered each other and picked each other up. It was a very hard-fought battle by both teams. Hats off to Notre Dame; they played great. When it gets into overtime, it's really anyone's game. It was a full team effort to keep NDNU off the board and the guys really played.”

Academy of Art University entered its sixth overtime match of the year looking to add yet another chapter to this incredible season. Though Grimsson had three game-winning goals to his credit thus far, he was the one to deliver the ball this time. In the 95th minute, Grimsson delivered a cross up in the air to the back post where Sveinsson headed it home. Sveinsson, who finished off the Knights' 3-2 double overtime win at Hawaii-Hilo earlier this year, helped his team to victory with another clutch game-winner.

“The team trains hard and that's why we were successful in OT,” Coach Rosaia said. “You work hard in practice and while you're never guaranteed the win, as long as you can work hard that's what it's all about.”

Sutherland earned his third shutout of the year with a complete game in goal and six saves to tie his season-high set Oct. 1 against Hawaii-Hilo. The goal by Sveinsson was his second of the season and the third in his Urban Knight career. Grimsson, second on the team in goals scored, registered his first assist of 2010 while Cruz and Heinemann each added two shots apiece. ART U improves to 7-10 overall, 6-7 in PacWest play.

Notre Dame de Namur was led by six shot attempts from Montes. He had two shots on frame while Armando Garcia added four shots (two on goal). Goalkeeper Isiah Castro finished with a complete game, allowing one goal with two saves. NDNU's record falls to 12-3-2 overall, 9-2-2 in PacWest action. The loss is only NDNU's second of the season in conference and the team's first since Grand Canyon defeated the Aros on Sept. 22.

The ART U men's soccer team plays its 2010 season finale this Saturday, Nov. 6 at Boxer Stadium. Dixie State College will be in town to take on the Knights with kickoff set for 10:30 AM following the women's match. The Senior Day festivities will feature a short ceremony for midfielder Kyle Mannschreck and defender Josh Garn prior to the match.

“We're trying to finish the season strong,” Coach Rosaia said. “Coming in, our goal was to try to finish season strong no matter what. Along with excellent coaching from my assistant, Kier LaCrosse, we've really been keeping the team together. We've got one game left and whatever happens, we are going to try to go out on top.”