Gutierrez, Walter Lead ART U to 2-1 Victory

HAYWARD, CALIF. – Stringing together some good soccer as of late, Academy of Art (2-6-1, 2-2 PacWest) has emerged as victors in two out of their last three matches. This includes Monday night's impressive 2-1 victory over Holy Names (0-7-1, 0-5-0 PacWest).
 
In the first half, the Urban Knights were the epitome of proficiency. While only attempting two shots on goal, both found their way into the back of the net. The first came in the 15th-minute when sophomore defender Bobby Gutierrez tapped the ball to senior defender Ricardo "Ricky" Mendoza near the corner flag who found redshirt senior forward Jake Walter in front of the goal. Walter's sixth-career goal gave ART U a 1-0 lead and put the momentum squarely on their side. 
13 minutes later, the Knights went up 2-0, this time courtesy of Gutierrez. The Riverside, Calif. native made a run from midfield and was fed the ball by Walter at the top of the box. The sophomore's aim was true, freezing the Hawks' keeper and landing just inside the right post. The goal was Gutierrez's second of his career.
 
Entering the second half, Academy of Art looked to maintain their lead, but could not hold back a late goal in the 69th minute from HNU's Josiah Romero. That was all ART U would allow however, as their defense bunkered down for the remaining 20 minutes.
 
In the match, Gutierrez and Walter compiled five of the Knights eight shots while freshman midfielder Isiah Quiros had two looks of his own. Now 2-2 in conference, the Urban Knights move into a five-way tie for sixth-place. Academy of Art's road trip will continue on Thursday when they head to San Diego to face off with Point Loma who is currently 1-3 in PacWest play.