SAN FRANCISCO – Academy of Art men's soccer returned home to host their first conference match against the likes of Dominican on Saturday, and the result did not disappoint. After a first half chalked full of action, the Urban Knights were able to hold on for a 2-1 victory in a match that underscored their strengths on both sides of the ball.  
 
As previously mentioned, the opening period did not lack for excitement: after a combined 13 shots (eight on-goal), ART U exited the period with a 2-1 advantage. The Urban Knights took an early lead in the sixth-minute when junior midfielder Bobby Gutierrez sent in a corner kick from the near side. The ball hit the feet of a Penguins defender and ricocheted into the net for an own goal, making it 1-0 Academy of Art. Dominican did not wait long to respond however, as Wilson Briggs capitalized on an opportunity less than two minutes later, evening the score. Nonetheless, the scoring was not over yet. 14 minutes later, senior forward Alex Walsh entered the opposing goalie box with a head full of steam. As a last resort, a Penguins defender grabbed him from behind, forcing a foul, and setting up a penalty kick for the Communications and Media Technologies Major. Walsh's attempt soared to the left while the goalkeeper dove to his right, giving the Knights a 2-1 lead and Walsh his second goal in as many matches.

 
Holding onto their one-goal lead entering the second half, Academy of Art would continue to assert their defensive-prowess over the course of the final 45 minutes. Despite allowing six more shots, ART U's back line only permitted one to slip by which was saved by freshman goalkeeper Kris Jensson. The Urban Knights did not take their first shot of the period until the 88th-minute when sophomore forward Zak Kiser landed one on-frame, but it did not matter: the Knights' defense remained impenetrable throughout, and ART U held on for the 2-1 win.
 
Academy of Art is now 2-3-1 and has won two of their last three games, bringing their conference record to an even, .500 (1-1). Walsh has been a big offensive-contributor as of late, scoring ART U's last two goals including today's, the second game-winner of his career. After this afternoon's success, the Preston, England native leads the Urban Knights with two goals and four points. Jensson looked strong in front of the net today as well, totaling four saves. The Reykjavik, Iceland native holds the third-highest save percentage in the PacWest (.818) which is the best of any freshman in the conference.
 
ART U will now spend the next week preparing for a three-game trip to Hawaii where they will face UH Hilo, Chaminade and Hawaii Pacific. Their first match kicks off against Hilo on Saturday, September 30 at Noon (HT).