SAN FRANCISCO -- The 2018 Academy of Art women's soccer team is currently experiencing their greatest start in program history. A team has never started a season 3-1, let alone 2-1, since the inception of the program.

ART U collected their record breaking win on their first match at their new home: Paul Goode Field. They defeated William Jessup University 2-1, on a goal from freshman midfielder Avica Robings and red hot senior midfielder Alice Michell, who now has three goals in the past week.

The Urban Knights came out of the gates fast as ever, scoring in the first seven minutes. Sophomore midfielder Sydney Cooke dribbled down the right side of the field beating defenders and creating space before passing it off to Robings. Robings took one touch and ripped a sensational shot to the far corner of the net for her first ever collegiate goal to put ART U up 1-0. The go ahead goal pushed Cooke ahead to a team leading two assists and efficiently matched her total assists from last season in 14 fewer games.  

The Warriors would not be beaten so easily though.  Just six minutes later WJU net the equalizer on a ball lobbed in then volleyed by Janelle Shuette for her fifth goal of the year.

Throughout the remainder of the first half ART U continued the barrage of shots, compiling ten total shots, including six on goal and twice as many as the Warriors. The Knight's defenses held strong after conceding the goal and they went into the half tied 1-1.

The second period of play saw similar production from Academy of Art's relentless offense, who started the half by taking five shots in a 12 minute span, but were unable to find the net. The game continued as a back and forth of opportunities with either side unable to score.

Until, determined to keep the win-streak alive, senior midfielder Rocky Herrera crossed in a free kick from the right sideline from almost mid-field. The Urban Knights crashed the net and after a couple of ricochets and mishandlings, Michell found herself with the ball in the middle of the box 13 yards out. The Minnesota native, who has been spectacular recently, unsurprisingly hit a fantastic ball just over the goalie's reach. ART U was up 2-1 on Michell's third goal in a week. With the score she is tied for first in goals for the entire PacWest conference.

Academy of Art finished with strong defense, not allowing a single shot on goal the remainder of the game and took the contest by a final score of 2-1.

"Coming off our last two games there were definitely some instances where we were down a goal or were tied late in the game," said head coach Chris King. "We're getting to see depth really come into play which isn't something we've really had the opportunity to showcase in recent years."

With their third win of the week, the Urban Knights are now 3-1. ART U has never won three of four games to start the season, and have never had a winning streak longer than three games. The Urban Knights will look to continue their historic streak Thursday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. versus Mills College.