SAN FRANCISCO -- In the second non-conference matchup of the season for Academy of Art women's soccer on SF Glens at Treasure Island Field, the Urban Knights were unable to create a comeback as they dropped the match 4-0 against UC Merced.

While the Knights held a 2-0 deficit by the end of the first half with scores from Vivianna Bravo and Yesenia Tijerina, ART U saw two strong looks at goal within that opening frame. Both strikes came in the opening 15 minutes through the right side as sophomore defender/forward Jade Alverio aimed for the near post but her attempts were saved by the Bobcats' goalkeeper.

Looking to cut down the two-goal deficit in the second half with the wind now at their backs were the Knights, as they recorded three more shots down the stretch, one each from sophomore midfielder Ashley Tasev, freshman midfielder Zeena Grewal, and Alverio. As ART U managed to keep the ball on the Bobcats' half for longer durations, they were unable to get one through to the net. UC Merced saw two quick counters turn out, as Tijerina and Alexia Alva built upon their lead to make it 4-0, the eventual final score.

Graduate student goalkeeper Nicole Peoples, the PacWest Defender of the Week, did all she could in net with eight saves as the Knights would see their record change to 0-1-1. UC Merced would improve to 2-0 to start their season. 

The Knights will compete in their final match of the homestand this Saturday, Sept. 14 against Cal Poly Humboldt with a 1 p.m. kickoff.