The Sacramento State men’s soccer team will begin Mountain Pacific Sports Federation play as the Hornets travel to the state of Colorado to face Air Force on Friday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. PDT in Cadet Soccer Stadium. The squad will complete its weekend against Denver on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 11 a.m. PDT at Denver Soccer Field. Last week, Air Force split its non-conference matches with a road loss to 20th-ranked Saint Louis and a home win over Drury. On Oct. 9, the Falcons could not overcome an early 2-0 deficit as the Billikens cruised to a 4-2 win at Robert R. Hermann Stadium. On Oct. 11, Air Force got back to its winning ways by handing Drury a 2-1 loss in Cadet Soccer Stadium.
Last season, Sacramento State fell to Air Force, 4-1, at Hornet Soccer Field on Oct. 12. The game opened conference play for both schools. Joel Rodriguez recorded the Hornets lone goal in the contest.
Sacramento State is 3-5 against Air Force since joining the Div. I ranks in 1991.
Last week, Denver increased its season-high losing streak to three games after falling to intrastate-rival Colorado School of Mines on Oct. 9, at Denver Soccer Field. The defeat marked the first time the Pioneers have lost more than six games in a season since 1999.
Last season, Sean Luigs recorded a penalty-kick goal in the 58th minute to lead the Hornets to a 1-0 win over the Pioneers on Oct. 14, at Hornet Soccer Field.
Sacramento State is 1-3 against Denver since the Div. I era.
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 84-143-21 overall record.
A LOOK AT LAST WEEK
On Oct. 11, junior forward David Fraser recorded a penalty-kick goal in the 62nd minute and freshman goalkeeper Matt McDougall recorded his second shutout this season as the Hornets defeated San Francisco, 1-0, at Hornet Soccer Field.
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 11 contests, members of the Rush squad lead the Hornets in all three offensive categories and two goalkeeper categories.
Sophomore defender Brent Hamilton and David Fraser lead the squad with three goals a piece. Fraser also holds the team lead with eight points. Sophomore defender Alexis Maúrtua and sophomore forward Patrick Nelle are tied for second with two goals apiece. Rush members have accounted for 12 of Sacramento State’s 14 goals this year. Sophomore midfielder Ricky Rodriguez, Fraser and J. Rodriguez each lead the squad with two assists, respectively.
Freshman goalkeeper Matt McDougall has assumed the starting spot for the Hornets and currently leads the squad with two shutouts and a goals-against-average of 0.81. His GAA places first among conference goalkeepers. For his efforts against USF, McDougall was named MPSF Player of the Week on Oct. 14.
OTHER NOTABLES
Sacramento State and San Francisco had played to a tie in the previous two meetings between the schools...Fraser’s goal was the Hornets’ first penalty kick of the 2002 season. Sacramento State had previously been outshot, 5-0, including five goals scored...Joel Rodriguez did not play against the Dons due to a stress fracture in his tibia. After a week of rest, he is expected to play this weekend...freshman midfielder Miguel Ramirez competed in his first collegiate contest against San Francisco. He had been inactive during the first part of the season due to a broken bone in his foot.
