After leading the team to a third place finish in the MPSF with a conference record of 5-7, senior forward Patrick Nelle, junior goalkeeper Matt McDougall and sophomore defender Utodi Madu were named to the all-MPSF second team. The three selections to the second-team were the most for the Hornets since 2000, when the team went 7-10-1 overall.

Senior defender Marcos Mercado was the fourth Sacramento State selection, receiving all-MPSF honorable mention honors.

The nominations also continued the Hornets tradition of all-MPSF nominations, having players nominated for various accolades for six-straight seasons.

New Mexico, who will enter the NCAA College Cup with the 13th seed in the country, led the MPSF with eight all-conference nominations. The Lobos’ Jeff Rowland and Andrew Boyens were named co-players of the year. The nominations are decided by votes from the conference’s coaches.

For Nelle, it was his second-straight all-MPSF nomination, as he was named to the second team last year as well. Nelle finished the season with two goals and three assists, playing in 18 games and starting 16. Nelle finished his career with 71 games played, which ties him with Mercado for first in program history.

McDougall, who is already the holder of several program records, led the MPSF with 109 saves, 5.74 per match. The Jesuit High School graduate played every minute in between the posts for Sacramento State and his 109 saves are also good for the program’s single season record. For McDougall, it is his second all-conference accolade. In 2002 as a freshman, he was named honorable mention all-MPSF after posting a 1.05 goals against average. McDougall also has six career shutouts, which ranks him second in program history.

Madu, who did not play last season, started in 18 of Sacramento State’s 19 matches in 2004. His solid defense and domination in the air earned him his second all-MPSF nomination. As a freshman in 2002, the Valley High School graduate, was named all-MPSF honorable mention. Madu also contributed on the field offensively, with three assists on the year. In his two seasons with the program he has played in 37 of 38 matches.

Mercado, also receives his second conference nomination. As a junior he received honorable mention honors. He leaves the program tied for first with Nelle in all-time history with 71 games played and is tied for second in program history with 65 career starts. Mercado recovered from a quadriceps injury early in the season to become a leader and organizer in the backline. He also served as team captain.

Sacramento State finished the season with an overall record of 6-12-1, ending the season with a 3-0 defeat of San Jose State on Thursday, Nov. 11. The six wins are the most for the program since 2000.