AZUSA, CALIF. – Academy of Art (1-9-1, 1-4-1 PacWest) held Azusa Pacific (6-3-2, 4-1-1 PacWest) scoreless for 71 minutes in Saturday's contest, showcasing a stingy defense behind strong goalkeeping by sophomore keeper Morgan Wirz. However, APU was finally able to break through with two late goals, coming away with a 2-0 win over the Urban Knights.
 
Wirz highlighted the first half, keeping the score knotted 0-0. The Lino Lakes, Minn. native registered three saves, but thwarted several other chances by charging to the top of the box and sliding the steal the ball from the Cougars' feet. ART U's backline did well to defend against APU's attack as well, fending off six shots in total.

"We stayed very organized and patient in our midfield and backline," said head coach Katie Awerkamp. "Morgan came up with some big time saves to keep us in the game. She played aggresively off of her line and was just on today."
 
Azusa Pacific's offense turned on the heat in the second half. The Cougars took 14 shots in the first 26 minutes before breaking the deadlock in the 72nd-minute. The first 13 shots were defended well and Wirz totaled four saves during that time. After a relentless attack, APU managed to squeak one through what looked like an unstoppable ART U defense. Rachel Curley sent in a low cross to Allyn Brown inside of the box who was able to tap it in straight on. After the goal, Azusa Pacific continued to apply the pressure, managing to score once more in the 85th-minute. On a free kick right outside of the box, Casey Thompson crossed it to Lindsey Ryals who scored next to the near post.
 
Overall, Wirz collected seven saves on the day, facing 21 shots in total. Despite only playing in nine (and starting in seven) of ART U's 11 matches, Wirz leads the PacWest with 58 saves. In second-place is Alyssa Ramos (50 saves) who has started in eight of Dominican's 10 games. Offensively, the Urban Knights struggled to break the Cougars' attack, coming away with just one shot in each half (both on goal).

"We are looking forward to getting back to our home field and continuing to work with our offense to find ways to stay in the attack," said Awerkamp.
 
Academy of Art now returns to San Francisco after an 0-3 road trip. They will receive a week off from competition before welcoming in the Penguins from Dominican at Kezar Stadium on October 16.