SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Senior Matt Linenberger headed home the game-winning goal in overtime and the Sacramento State men's soccer team defeated San Diego, 2-1, in the Hornets' first home game of the 2012 season.
A home win is nothing new for head coach Michael Linenberger's squad, who are 18-2-6 at Hornet Field over the last four seasons.
The Hornets (1-1) led 1-0 until the Toreros (0-2) scored on a header with 51 seconds left in regulation. San Diego's Thomas Fiskerstrand headed home a free kick cross from Dan Delgado for the game-tying goal to force overtime.
Sacramento State scored in similar fashion a little under two minutes into overtime. After a foul a few yards into Sacramento State's offensive half, senior Max Alvarez launched a free kick cross toward the back post. Linenberger made a great run from outside the box and dove forward, getting his head on the ball to redirect itl into the back of the net.
Senior Chris Sandoval scored the opening goal of the game on a very heady play. On a three-on-two situation near midfield, Sandoval saw San Diego keeper Michael D'Arrigo was at the top of the box. Sandoval then quickly launched a high looping shot toward the net that sailed over a retreating D'Arrigo for the Hornets' first goal of the season.
Overall, Sacramento State placed eight of 20 shots on goal while San Diego State took 12 shots with seven on goal. Alvarez had a game-high five shot attempts with two on goal.
Senior Bryan Oliver started in net for the Hornets and made six saves with one goal allowed. D'Arrigo also made six saves for the Toreros.
It was a hotly contested game, with 38 combined fouls and seven total yellow cards.
After tallying their first win of the year, the Hornets will look to continue their success against another West Coast Conference foe. No. 18 ranked Saint Mary's will visit Hornet Field on Sunday at 1 p.m.