Sacramento, Calif. - Sophomore Ryan Rhoads scored his third goal of the season and the game-winner in Sacramento State’s 2-0 shutout win over San Diego State (2-9-1, 2-2-0).The win now improves the Hornets’ record to 3-7-1 overall and 2-3-0 in the Mountain Pacific Sport Federation.
Rhoads, a Modesto, Calif., native now leads the Hornets with three goals. Rhoads scored in the seventh minute, when sophomore defender Utodi Madu dribbled into space and found junior midfielder Ricky Rodriguez open at the top of the penalty box. Rodriguez then flicked the ball on toward an on rushing Rhoads who sliced the ball near post, past diving Aztec goalkeeper Tally Hall.
For Rodriguez, a Vacaville High School graduate, it was his third assist on the season and with his two goals from last week, he is now tied for the points lead with junior midfielder Marco Ramirez, at seven points apiece. Madu also has three assists on the season.
Andrew Tamm added the insurance goal for Sacramento State in the 84th minute. Patrick Nelle was open at the top of the box and volleyed a pass to Tamm. The midfielder then one-touched the ball near post, out of the reach of Hall.
For Tamm, it was his second goal of the season and he now has four points in 2004.
The Hornets controlled most of the play in the first half, outshooting the Aztecs 7-4. San Diego State outshot Sacramento State 15-12, with most of their offensive attack coming in the second half. But only four of their shots fell on goal, compared to Sacramento State’s eight.
Hornet goalkeeper Matt McDogall recorded his second shutout of the season and seventh of his career with four saves, while Hall had a match-high six saves.
Rhoads was inches away from scoring a second goal in the first half, but his header hit the crossbar. Midfilelder Pedro Lupercio also had a shot stopped by the woodwork.
Lupercio, Tamm and Rhoads led Sacramento State with two shots on goal apiece, while the Aztecs were led by Colin Jennings’ two shots on frame.
The Hornet defense was led by seniors Marcos Mercado and Juan Carlos Cortez, Jr., and sophomores Ismael EcheverrÃa and Madu.
Sacramento State is still undefeated at Hornet Soccer Field, with a record of 3-0-1. The Hornets will host UNLV on Sunday at 1 p.m. The match is part of a doubleheader, which will feature the women’s soccer team playing UC Davis at 3:30 p.m. Sunday is also youth soccer day. Youth players are encouraged to wear their team jerseys, and those who do will be admitted at the gate for $1.
