MATCH #5
Academy of Art University (1-3) at Sonoma State (3-1)
Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014 at 4:30 p.m. PDT
Rohnert Park, CA — Seawolf Soccer Field
LIVE STATS
 
MATCH #6
Cal State Stanislaus (2-2-1) at Academy of Art University (1-3)
Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014 at 11 a.m. PDT
San Francisco, CA — Boxer Stadium
LIVE STATS/VIDEO
 
 
San Francisco, CA — PacWest Conference play is right around the corner, and the Academy of Art University men's soccer team will wrap up its nonconference schedule this week with two more challenging matches against California Collegiate Athletic Association teams.
 
The Urban Knights (1-3) first head out on the road Thursday to Rohnert Park to take on Sonoma State (3-1) at 4:30 p.m., then close the week with a home match at Boxer Stadium versus Cal State Stanislaus (2-2-1) kicking off at 11 a.m.
 
ART U is coming off an 0-2 showing in Chico last week, falling 2-0 to No. 16 Chico State and 2-1 in a neutral site match versus Humboldt State. Both matches were closely contested, with Chico State not scoring its second goal until the 83rd minute, and the difference against HSU being a penalty kick goal.
 
Two wins this week would push the Knights' record to 3-3, making it back-to-back seasons they have entered the conference season with at least a .500 record. It won't be an easy task, as the Seawolves and Warriors went a combined 18-14-5 in 2013 and are already off to an above-.500 start this year.
 
MAKING AN IMPACT
Though he is one of 12 Urban Knights newcomers on the roster, junior Jake Walter has already made his presence felt on the team. Walter scored ART U's lone goal last week, notching a second half score against Humboldt State on Saturday. Through four matches he is second on the team in points (4) and second in shots (9).
 
THE BEGINNINGS OF SOMETHING GREAT
Though he has only made three starts and played in four matches, freshman goalkeeper Alejandro Escobedo is already starting to show signs of veteran experience in goal for the Urban Knights. His 11 saves this season are already tied for 10th all-time in a single season. He currently holds a 1.80 goals against average, which would be seventh all-time in a single season if he holds that pace.
 
HOME STRETCH
Academy of Art will enjoy a four-match homestand beginning Saturday against Cal State Stanislaus. The Knights then kick off the PacWest Conference season with three consecutive home matches against Hawaii Pacific (Sept. 25), Hawaii Hilo (Sept.27) and Dominican (Calif.) (Oct. 4).