Box Score

Photo Gallery (images by Rob Garcia)

San Francisco, CA – Academy of Art University showed true grit and determination in its first victory of the 2013 season, a come-from-behind 2-1 final over Saint Martin's out at Crocker Amazon Park on Thursday afternoon. After tying the match in the 28th minute, ART U netted the game-winner in the second period and confidently held the line against a hungry SMU offense.

The ball would find Luca Theis' hands early in the first period as the Saints had a quick opportunity in the third minute on the freshman goalkeeper. Senior Carlos Hernandez had the first scoring attempts by ART U and his second was extremely close as it hit off the right post.

As the clock turned to the 14th minute, however, Saint Martin's connected with Dylan Gaydosh's second goal of the year on a rebound after a shot by Emil Kirov deflected off the Knights defense. That goal would hold up for no more than 15 minutes though because a set piece by Academy of Art eventually led to a tie game.

The 28th minute saw freshman William "Willy" Velasco Villa take a free kick following a foul and his pass found senior Leonardo Bartelle about 15 yards out straight away. Bartelle rose off the ground and speared the ball with his right foot on a jump kick, sending the ball to the left post.

In the waning seconds of the first period, Runar Gudbjartsson got a header shot off, but it sailed just wide. The attempt served as an indication that the Urban Knights would be focused on getting the upper-hand in the second half.

Junior Jonmundur Gretarsson, who saw his first action of the year towards the end of the opening period, would provide an important spark with his energy and quickness in the ART U front line to start the second half. Although each of his shots during a 10-minute span to start the period did not connect, in the 62nd minute, he threaded an impressive pass through the defense to lure out the SMU goalkeeper and set up an open look for sophomore Jesus "Chava" Sanchez. The opportunity was more than enough of an opening for Sanchez who tapped it home and gave the Urban Knights a 2-1 advantage.

Saint Martin's made one final push on the offensive side and had two header shots by CJ Chu, but both were offline and Academy of Art came away with its first victory of 2013.

ART U (1-2) had goals by Bartelle and Sanchez which were both not possible without assists off the feet of Velasco Villa and Gretarsson. Defensively, Theis registered one save in his complete 90 minutes while Sveinsson continued to earn respect from his teammates for his determined play throughout.

SMU (0-3) was led by Gaydosh's goal and Kirov's assist with Eric Owen providing two saves with two goals allowed in 90 minutes between the posts.

The Urban Knights are next at Boxer Stadium this Saturday, Sept. 14 for a match against Simpson University at 2:00 PM. Prior to the contest, Academy of Art University students are invited to participate in the "Kicking It For Kids" Kickball Tournament. Join through your respective residence hall and sign up for the Fan Bus.