SAN FRANCISCO – Offense picked up in the second frame after a slow first half between Academy of Art men's soccer and Azusa Pacific, with ART U hitting the scoreboard first thanks to the first goal in the collegiate career of freshman defender Oliver Asgeirsson. However, APU responded just minutes later to force Saturday's Pacific West Conference clash to end in a 1-1 draw.

Though the Eagles (3-6-2, 1-1-1 PacWest) doubled the shots of the Urban Knights (3-7-2, 0-4-1 PacWest) 6-3 in the first 45 minutes, only one made it on target from each team. The tables would flip in the second half, as Academy of Art went into attack mode by generating a total of 14 shots in the second frame to the six of Azusa Pacific. That started with a trio of chances at the end of the 59th minute for ART U, with freshman forward Ismaël Elmi, junior midfielder Gilly Miller, and freshman midfielder Guilherme Gomes all taking an attempt at goal, with only Elmi's initial chance on target.  

Azusa Pacific responded with a few chances of their own, including one that rang the right post of the goal frame, but with luck on the side of the Urban Knights the match remained level. That was, until the 77th minute when Asgeirsson found the go-ahead goal with his head, connecting on a cross from redshirt freshman midfielder Elvis Mensah after a quick passing play from a corner kick with Miller.

Only six minutes did the lead last, as the Eagles scored the equalizer in the 83rd minute after they capitalized on a free kick from just outside the box thanks to Gregoire Diep. Each side generated a couple more scoring opportunities before the final whistle, but none could make it to the back of the net, resulting in the draw.

Already among the PacWest leaders in shots, Miller led all shot takers in the match with four chances, two of which were on goal. Elmi was just a step behind with three shots of his own, while four different Urban Knights were credited with a pair of shots. Freshman goalkeeper Jaiden Brooks made the first start of his collegiate career, but did not make a save as his teammates picked up just the one first half save.

The Urban Knights will return to the pitch on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. when they take on the Sunbirds of Fresno Pacific in non-conference action.