Box Score AZUSA, Calif. – Azusa Pacific moved one step closer to a championship.
The Cougars pulled away for a 3-0 decision over the Academy of Art on Thursday evening for their eighth straight triumph. With a win Saturday against Dominican the Cougars will clinch the PacWest crown.
"We did a good job of creating opportunities and I'm happy to see that. I was pleased to get the lead and settle the game into our favor," said head coach Dave Blomquist. "Now it feels good to be in a spot to win a conference title. It is a credit to the guys' hard work and commitment to the program each and every game."
Azusa Pacific got on the board early when Kaleb Armbrust played a through ball up the middle to Luke Ackermann. Ackermann continued his run and beat Academy of Art goalkeeper Alejandro Edcobedo one-on-one in the eighth minute. It was Ackermann's team leading sixth goal of the season.
Ackermann nearly had his second goal of the evening in the 21st minute but his attempt from 15 yards was blocked aside by a diving Escobedo.
Omar Nunez had a golden opportunity in the 66th minute but his header that beat Edcobedo glanced off the crossbar as the score stayed 1-0. Moments later Keyran Kelly made a solid run down the right side but his one-on-one attempt was saved by Edcobedo.
Azusa Pacific's persistence finally paid off when Nunez scored the Cougars second goal in the 78th minute. Nunez's first header was blocked aside but the rebound went back to him which he deposited into the net. Two minutes later Jeremy Bishop gave the Cougars a three-goal cushion when he dribbled down the left side and scored on a tough angled shot.
Tyler Jaramillo made three saves for his first shutout since Oct. 6. The Cougars defense did a solid job all evening from keeping the Urban Knights from getting a quality scoring opportunity. The Urban Knights had a chance in the second half that required a defensive save but the Cougars were up to the task.
Azusa Pacific posted a significant edge in total shots (20-6) and corner kicks (5-0).
The three-goal spread put a stop to a streak of eight consecutive games of playing in games decided by a single goal.
