AZUSA, Calif. - Azusa Pacific collected their second clean sheet in as many days, earning a 3-0 victory over Academy of Art on Monday evening. Sean Romo collected the first goal of his Cougar career, Juancarlos Rodriguez earned his first goal of the season and Mario Shuteriqi earned his second goal in two games. Issaka Salifu and Brian Torres also collected assists on the night to help propel the Cougars attack. 

"Really good performance over the 90 minutes." said head coach Dave Blomquist. "We've got to keep things rolling, making defensive plays to keep the clean sheet and finishing some of the chances we're creating offensively, so hopefully that momentum carries on." 

How it Happened: Azusa Pacific jumped out to a fast start, maintaining 57% possession in the first half, with 53% presence on their attacking half. 

In the 20th minute, Salifu had a low cross outside the box that found Sean Romo on the back post, who's shot found the back of the net to give the Cougars an early 1-0 lead. Azusa Pacific had a few more chances to double their lead, but the Urban Knights back line came up with a few blocks to halt the home team's attack and send the game into the half with a 1-0 Cougar lead.

Azusa Pacific found themselves defending Academy of Art's press early in the second half, but the Cougars took advantage of opportunities on their final third. In the 70th minute, Brian Torres found Shuteriqi in transition who's right footed shot found the right corner of the net to give the Cougars a 2-0 lead. 

The Urban Knights had a strong opportunity in the 76th minute, when an Academy of Art striker had a dangerous shot, but Leo Moreno came up with another save to keep the Urban Knights scoreless and preserve the clean sheet. 

The Cougars attack did not stop there as Azusa Pacific scored their third goal of the night in the 82nd minute. Salifu set up Rodriguez at the top of the box who got it past the Urban Knights goalkeeper to give the Cougars a commanding 3-0 lead. This score was the final after 90 minutes of play at the Cougar Soccer Complex. 

By the Numbers: The Cougars now own an 8-2-1 overall record over Academy of Art. Shuteriqi is now tied for a team-lead in goals with two right next to Salifu who also has two on the season. Azusa Pacific had seven shots on goal compared to Academy of Art's two and Moreno came up with three more saves tonight, adding to his total of 36 so far this season, which ranks third in the PacWest.

Up Next: Azusa Pacific travels to Westmont on Saturday, October 14th when they face the Warriors at 12:30 p.m. If you cannot attend, you can watch HERE.