Box Score

Seaside, CA – Taking on their second CCAA opponent in three days, ART U Men's Soccer played a close first period on the road against Cal State Monterey Bay, but the Otters ended up finding the net twice in the second half to win 2-0.

In what would be an evenly-played first half, the Otters (2-0) had their first attempt of the match denied by junior Joshua Leader in the ninth minute. From there, senior Leonardo Bartelle had a look on frame in the 20th minute, but he too was stopped by the goal keeper. Neither team had a shot on goal for the remainder of the half with several attempts being blocked by the defense.

"Watching the game from the bench it was very encouraging," head coach Mike Keller said. "We had long spells of complete control of the game and just seemed to be missing that final pass or run into the box.  I'm really encouraged by the progress made and the effort from the guys. We'll look to keep improving at a high rate and are looking forward to getting back on the field Thursday."

Junior Jon "Jay" Eldon was on the offensive early in the second period, but CSUMB would be the first to score. In the 59th minute, Michael Brixey found a corner kick from Aaron Kochman and headed it between a pair of ART U defenders. The Urban Knights (0-2) were not without opportunities to retaliate from that point forward as freshman William "Willy" Velasco Villa put one close in the 68th minute though it was saved.

"We feel better about the second half than the first," Coach Keller said. "Like I mentioned, we really played well for the majority of the game. We just didn't take care of business on defending a corner kick and that was the difference today. You have to commend Monterey for taking their opportunities when they presented themselves."

In the 88th minute, the Otters added an insurance goal off the foot of Servando Perez following a two-on-one situation with Alberto Anguiano providing the final pass. The final 2-0 result gave Cal State Monterey Bay its first home victory of 2013.

For the Urban Knights, the tandem of local freshman William "Willy" Velasco Villa and Ricardo "Ricky" Mendoza both stood out to Coach Keller when called upon to play extensive minutes Saturday.

Academy of Art returns to the pitch next Saturday when the Knights host Saint Martin's on Thursday, Sept. 12 at Crocker Amazon Park.