Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Hawks' Defense Renders Knights Scoreless

HAWARD, CALIF. – In a battle of back lines, the Urban Knights (1-7-1, 1-2-1 PacWest) relentlessly applied pressure, but could not break Holy Names' (1-6-1, 1-4-1 PacWest) defense, falling 1-0.
 
Academy of Art came out of the gate with a with an offensive mindset. In the first half, ART U took 10 shots, including seven in the opening period. However, the Hawks' defenders were able to effectively fend off their attack, as only three shots were on goal. On the opposite side of the pitch, junior goalkeeper Maggie Alikpala-Wilsonhad a busy opening period, posting five saves, while only allowing one to get through. The goal was by Courtney Okazaki in the 14th-minute. Looking to respond, the Urban Knights continued to attack the net, compiling four shots in the next 10 minutes. With 40 seconds remaining in the half, junior midfielder Aliya Salas looked to tie the contest with a final shot, but it sailed over the crossbar, keeping the deficit at one.
 
In the second half, ART U deployed an effective defensive strategy, only allowing two shots on goal; both were saved by Alikpala-Wilson. The Knights again put together an early offensive-push, taking all six of their second-period shots within the first 22 minutes. Despite the stress applied to HNU's back line, they did not break and the Hawks went on to win their first contest of the season.
 
Overall, Academy of Art outshot Holy Names 16-13, the Knights' second highest shot total of the season. After scoring her first goal in their previous game against Chaminade, junior midfielder Abi Chavez put together another strong showing on Monday. The Los Angeles Pierce College transfer led the team with six shots, matching her season high (also recorded against Chaminade).
 
ART U will now continue their three-game road trip when they head to San Diego on Thursday, taking on Point Loma at 3:30 p.m.

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