HAYWARD, CALIF. – The Urban Knights (0-1-1) opened their season against Cal State East Bay (1-0-0) on Friday, falling 3-0 at the hands of the Pioneers.
 
Although the result may not have favored ART U, there was plenty to take away from the season opener including the Knights' back line posting a strong first half. Although surrendering a goal, they fended off 12 shots while sophomore goalkeeper Kevin Mendez tallied five saves.
 
In the second half, ART U was able to get a much better read on the Pioneers' defensive strategy, breaking through with seven shots, compared to two in the opening period. At the end of the match, junior midfielders Jonny Navarro, Matthew "Mateo" Rodriguez and redshirt senior forward Jake Walter led the team with two shots apiece.  East Bay's final two goals came in the 51st and 68th minutes and each came when Mendez was pulled to the top of the box to meet the attack. The Pioneers were able to sneak the ball past the keeper both times to find the back of the net.
 
Academy of Art will take the bus back across the bridge and begin preparing for the season's second contest when they take on Stanislaus State on Thursday, September 8 in the first game of the Golden Gate Classic. The competition will represent the second consecutive tournament hosted by the Urban Knights. ART U won the tournament in 2015 after defeating SF State in 1-0, overtime fashion.