Last week, San Francisco raised its season-high winning streak to three games after defeating Harvard and Brown to win the diadora Classic in Negoesco Stadium. On Oct. 4, Josh Hansen scored two goals and Gabe Sturm added a goal and two assists to pace the Dons to a 4-1 victory over Harvard. On Oct. 6, David Martin recorded his first-career goal to give USF a 2-1 victory over Brown in the championship of the diadora Classic. Gabe Sturm and Josh Hansen shared MVP honors for San Francisco. It was USF''s first diadora Classic championship since 1997.

Last season, Sacramento State tied the Dons, 1-1, in a double-overtime contest in Negoesco Stadium. With the Hornets trailing, 1-0, Hjalti Kristjansson connected on a free kick from 18 yards out in the 63rd minute to send the contest into extra frames.

Sacramento State is 2-3-2 against San Francisco since joining the Div. I ranks in 1991.

HEAD COACH MICHAEL LINENBERGER

Michael Linenberger begins his 14th season at the helm of the Sacramento State men’s soccer team. Last season, Linenberger led the Hornets to their best finish in MPSF play with a 4-1-2 record and the regular season conference championship. Sacramento State’s four conference wins were also a new program record. For his efforts, Linenberger was selected 2001 MPSF Coach of the Year by the conference coaches.

Linenberger began his coaching career with the Hornets as an assistant in 1988 and co-head coach from 1989 to 1991, before taking sole control of the coaching duties in 1992. He has led the team through each year as a member of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, beginning in 1992. In his career, Linenberger has compiled a 83-143-21 overall record.

A LOOK AT LAST WEEK

On Oct. 2, Cal State Northridge scored three first-period goals as the Matadors defeated Sacramento State, 4-1, at Hornet Soccer Field. The Hornets recorded their only goal of the contest when sophomore defender Brent Hamilton found senior midfielder David Rios from 40-yards out for the header goal.

On Oct. 6, junior forward David Fraser recorded a goal in the 73rd minute to lead the Hornets to a 1-1 tie with Fresno State in Bulldog Stadium. For Fraser, a native of Danville, Calif., it was his second goal of the 2002 season.

SACRAMENTO STATE FEELING THE RUSH

The Hornet men’s soccer team increased the number of River City Rush members on its roster from six to 10 this past season and the 2002 squad is beginning to feel the effects of the local club team. After 10 contests, members of the Rush squad lead the Hornets in all three offensive categories.

Brent Hamilton leads the squad with three goals and seven points. Sophomore defender Alexis Maúrtua, sophomore forward Patrick Nelle and David Fraser are tied for second with two goals apiece. For Hamilton and Maúrtua, their goals were the first of their Hornet careers. Freshman defender Utodi Madu, Fraser and Joel Rodriguez each have one goal to also lead the Hornets. Rush members have accounted for 11 of Sacramento State’s 13 goals this year.

Sophomore midfielder Ricky Rodriguez, Fraser and J. Rodriguez each lead the squad with two assists, respectively.

OTHER NOTABLES

Sacramento State and San Francisco have played to a tie in each of the previous two matchups...the Hornets and Fresno State have now tied in consecutive meetings...each of junior David Fraser’s two goals this season have sent a contest into overtime for the Hornets. The squad is 0-0-2 in those games...freshman midfielder Eric Martinez recorded his first collegiate assist against the Bulldogs on Oct. 6...Alexis Maúrtua and freshman midfielder Miguel Ramirez are expected to return from injuries on Friday against San Francisco. Ramirez, a native of Fairfield, Calif., will be making his Hornet debut after breaking a bone in his foot before the start of the season.