SAN FRANCISCO – Academy of Art closed out Friday's match with UC Merced having amassed 11 shots. However, unable to capitalize on their opportunities, the Urban Knights fell 3-0 to an effective Bobcats offense.
 
In the first half, ART U managed to put four shots on the board, but could not hold back a UC Merced goal in the 25th-minute from Bridget Villanueva. However, for the remainder of the period, the Urban Knights and senior goalkeeper Maggie Alikpala-Wilson did well in shutting down the Bobcat's seven additional attempts at the net.
 
UC Merced was able to maintain their aggressive mindset as the game shifted into the second half, managing to score twice more in the 48th and 66th minutes. However, ART U's back line stood pat for the remainder of the match, denying seven shots in total during the second half. Altogether, Alikpala-Wilson and junior keeper Morgan Wirz combined for four saves.
 
The Urban Knights had their opportunities on the offensive-front as well, particularly during the second half: during the 64th and 65th minutes, ART U had a sequence of two-consecutive corner kicks which resulted in a pair of headers from senior midfielder Abigail Chavez and junior defender Chayney Mata. Although the attempts were ultimately unsuccessful, Academy of Art continued to attack the net, adding two more shots before time had expired.
 
With a record now of 0-2-1, The Urban Knights will look towards their final non-conference match for their first victory of 2017. The game will take place on Wednesday, September 13 at SF State.