Box Score

San Francisco, CA --- The Academy of Art men's soccer team concluded its most successful season today with a victory over visiting Dixie State. The Urban Knights were focused on the field and battled hard with a scrapy Red Storm team. Fiery defense and solid offense helped the Urban Knights achieve a 3-2 victory on their senior day at Boxer Stadium in San Francisco.

“Today, the student-athletes of the Academy of Art men's soccer team punctuated their season by finishing strong and added to the already solid tradition of playing with pride for their university,” Head Coach Daniel Rosaia. "Finishing with three solid wins is a big momentum boost for the seasons to come.”

It was apparent from the start that each team was hungry for the win, as the first period was full of excitement. Each team came out aggressive and the Urban Knights looked to have a bit more pep in their step as the half progressed. ART U out-shot the Red Storm 4-2 in the first period, and recorded the only goal of the half.

"Both teams left it on the field today,” Head Coach Daniel Rosaia said. “Dixie played well and both teams just really played hard. It was a very hard-fought match.”

ART U's first opportunity to break ahead came on a free kick by freshman midfielder Andrew Durano. Durano sent a quick lead pass to freshman forward Patrick Heinemann on the run towards goal but was stopped by a Dixie State defender in the box. In the 37th minute, junior defender Vilmundur Sveinsson put the Urban Knights ahead with a goal off a corner kick from Durano. The Urban Knight defense kept the Red Storm scoreless through the first period.

“Scoring early gave us confidence that we could win,” Coach Rosaia said. “It was a good corner kick by Durano and the goal by Vimmi gave us momentum going into the second half.”

The second half started slow but ended with immense intensity. In the 64th minute, Andrew "Boomer" Cruz ignited his teammates with a quality shot on goal that was narrowly blocked by the Red Storm keeper. Less than five minutes later, freshman midfielder Tyler Radcliffe scored his first goal of his ART U career. Radcliffe tapped a shot into the back of the net off a deflection by the keeper from a corner kick. Urban Knight fans and players alike all erupted as the goal hit net.

"Tyler Radcliffe was a great addition to the team for us and he finished the season on an very positive note," Coach Rosaia said. "He brought such a positive attitude this year as well."

The Red Storm battled the Urban Knight defense in the 79th minute when a through ball slid its way past an ART U defender and, sophomore goalkeeper Ian Sutherland, into the net to bring Dixie State to within one point, 2-1.

In the 84th minute, Grimur Grimsson was subbed into the match and promptly scored a game-winning goal shortly thereafter. Less than two minutes into his time on the field, Grimsson dribbled the ball past a defender and lobbed the ball over a contesting goalie to score his first goal of the match and the third goal for ART U.

“Vimmi and Grimur are both great kids from Iceland and they been a huge part of the success that we had,” Coach Rosaia said. “It was nice to see both of them score in the game together today.”

The Red Storm, however, made for an exciting end of the match as they scored another goal in the 88th minute to bring them back to within one point of the Urban Knights, 3-2. A foul just outside the box with less than 30 seconds left on the clock gave the Red Storm an opportunity to send the game into overtime, but the shot sailed high over the bar and so did their chance at a win. ART U defeated the visiting Red Storm 3-2 in their final game of the season.

The Urban Knights managed five shots on goal in the win. Three ART U players registered goals in the match; Sveinsson, Radcliffe, and Grimsson each put one on the scoreboard for the Knights. Sutherland played another complete game for the Knights and had one save in the match against three shots on goal.

“Ian had some big saves today and finished the season on a tear,” Coach Rosaia said. “He had good game after good game. Ian played exceptional for the last three games and picked up three wins on his back basically. And we really have to recognize guys like Daniel Waller, Miguel Amezquita, and Willie Broderick. They're hidden heroes. They're the workhorses who come off the bench and really help the team.”

In their final match at Academy of Art University, senior defender Josh Garn and senior midfielder Kyle Mannschreck both made significant contributions to the ART U defense, helping the team to victory.

“Our two seniors played outstanding ball today,” Coach Rosaia said. “They finished their careers the way they started them; with dignity and pride. We wish Josh and Kyle well. They're going to be very hard to replace as student-athletes.”

For the Red Storm, Kody Hunter and senior Eudoro Guizar each scored a goal in the match. Jordan Roylance had two shots on the day with one shot on goal. Goalkeeper Tyler Walters had two saves and allowed three goals.

Today's match marks the Urban Knights' last of the 2010 season. ART U finishes the season 8-10 overall and 7-7 in conference play. The ART U men's soccer team has improved tremendously in three years, earning respect of teams from all around the Pacfic West Conference.