SAN FRANSICO – Talk about a tough set-back.
Despite holding an edge in total shots (19-9), the Cougars couldn't find the back of the net as they fell 3-0 to Academy of Art on Saturday afternoon.
In addition to their total shot edge, the Cougars put more shots on goal (8) then the home team's seven shots on frame.
"The game came down to just a few decisive moments and they got them and we didn't. They were able to capitalize on those opportunities," said head coach Dave Blomquist.
Academy of Art put the Cougars behind the eight-ball early as they scored 125 seconds into the game. Justin Erhunmwunsee scored off a rebounded shot from in close. Jon Johannesson had the first shot just outside the box on the left side. Cougar goal keeper Tyler Jaramillo had rough luck as he wasn't able to make the tough back-to-back save effort.
The Urban Knight increased their lead to 2-0 in the 24th minute as Alexander Tombach won a one-on-one situation. The final goal of half was set-up after a pass from Kristof Urbanyi.
During a 15-second stretch in the 33rd minute the Cougars placed two shots on goal and had another hit the crossbar. The Azusa Pacific persistence was rewarded as a pair of Keenan Armbrust shots were denied and an Omar Nunez boot hit the frame.
"If we could have gone one goal before the end of the half it could have changed the momentum but unfortunately, like most of the season, we just couldn't capitalize on our chances," Blomquist said.
The game's final goal came in the 64th minute when the Urban Knights scored their second rebound goal of the contest. Ricardo Mendoza scored after a shot from Tombach was originally blocked.
The last 45 minutes saw the Cougars produce a handful of scoring opportunities but shots on a goal by the Keenan and Kaleb Armbrust as well as Jesus Arteaga were blocked aside by Urban Knight goal keeper Kevin Mendez.
"The guys kept at it until the final horn and I'm proud that we competed until the end. It is hard as the team who is trailing and each opportunity you have to score is stopped," Blomquist said.
Azusa Pacific begins a two-game homestand to close out their home slate on Thursday evening against BYU-Hawaii.
