Last week, the Aztecs upset seventh-ranked Loyola Marymount, 3-2, in overtime. Forward Matt Couch recorded two goals and midfielder Eric Wohl tallied the game winner in OT. On Oct. 18, the Aztecs opened MPSF action with a 2-1 home loss to UNLV. Ryan Curtis recorded the lone goal for San Diego State. On Oct. 20, the Aztecs suffered its second conference loss, 2-1, to New Mexico at the UNM Soccer Complex. Raul Batista was credited with the Aztecs’ lone goal.

Last season, Sacramento State defeated San Diego State, 3-1, at Hornet Soccer Field on Nov. 4. The match gave the Hornets their first MPSF regular-season title in program history. David Fraser (two) and Vjeko Odich recorded goals for the squad.

Sacramento State is 1-2-1 against SanDiego State 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 85-144-21 overall record.

A LOOK AT LAST WEEK

On Oct. 18, Thomas Clark recorded a goal in the 87th minute to lead Air Force to a 1-0 win over Sacramento State in Cadet Soccer Stadium. Freshman goalkeeper Matt McDougall finished with a game-high six saves to lead the Hornets.

On Oct. 20, junior forward David Fraser scored the game-winning goal in overtime to lead the Hornets to a 2-1 road win over Denver. Senior midfielder David Rios tallied the first goal for the squad.

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 feeling the effects of the local club team. After 13 contests, members of the Rush squad lead the Hornets in all three offensive and goalkeeper categories.

Fraser (four) and sophomore defender Brent Hamilton (three) lead the squad in goals while Fraser also holds the team lead with 10 points. Sophomore defender Alexis Maúrtua and sophomore forward Patrick Nelle are tied for second with two goals apiece. Rush members have accounted for 13 of Sacramento State’s 16 goals this year. Junior midfielder Joel Rodriguez leads the team with three assists. Sophomore midfielder Ricky Rodriguez and Fraser are tied for second on the squad with two assists, respectively.

Freshman goalkeeper Matt McDougall has assumed the starting spot for the Hornets and currently leads the squad with 26 saves, two shutouts and a goals-against-average of 0.86. His GAA places second among conference goalkeepers. The Sacramento native was named MPSF Player of the Week on Oct. 14.

BACK ON PACE

After a slow start to the 2002 season, junior forward David Fraser has reclaimed his title as the top scoring threat in the Sacramento State offense. The Danville, Calif., native leads the squad in most offensive categories with four goals, 10 points, two game-winning goals and a penalty-kick goal. Three of Fraser’s goal have come in his last four contests.

The junior is also close to establishing himself as the most prolific scorer in the Div. I era. Fraser needs to average nine goals, six assists and 23 points in his final two years to surpass Jamel Mitchell (1993-96) for first on the all-time Sacramento State list in each category.