On a three-match winning streak, the Hornets’ offense was once again sparked by junior forward Oscar Sandoval, who netted two goals during the match. In the last three games the transfer out of Moorpark Junior College has accumulated four goals and two assists.

Sacramento State improves to 8-4-1 overall and 3-2-0 in the MPSF, while the Flacons fall to 5-7-2 and 3-1-1 in league.

The Hornets have five matches remaining in the season and their eight-match win total is the best in Division I program history since 1995.

Once again, Sandoval notched the first goal of the game, putting Sacramento State ahead 1-0 in the 33rd minute. It was junior defender Eric Ortiz, who floated a ball over the top of the defense that opened up space for Sandoval. After settling the pass, the Littlerock, Calif., native beat two defenders and placed a shot to the near post out of the reach of Air Force goalkeeper Paul Elsbernd. Ortiz’s assist was his first of the season and fourth of his career.

With a one-goal lead at halftime, it was junior Ryan Rhoads who gave the Hornets a 2-0 lead just two minutes into the second half. Freshman Jack Jones started the play on the left side with a cross to the far post that Rhoads hit with one foot on a sliding shot. For Rhoads, a Beyer HS graduate, it was his fifth goal of the season and 13th of his career, tying him for fifth in Div. I program history. For Jones, a local product out of Union Mine HS, it was his third assist of the year.

Sandoval then scored his seventh goal of 2005 in the 76th minute to give Sacramento State a 3-0 lead. On junior Pedro Lupercio’s corner, Sandoval settled the ball with his back to goal and escaped one defender, placing the ball to the near post and past Elsbernd. Sandoval now has seven goals and four assists in 2005. The Hornets also defeated Denver on Friday 3-0 with one goal and two assists from Sandoval, giving him a three-goal, two-assist total for the weekend. For Lupercio, it was his second assist of the year.

Air Force added a goal in the 86th minute when Scott Muir’s header from Reid Gaiser beat freshman goalkeeper Andrew Gangnuss. It was only the second goal the Hornets have allowed at home this season as they maintain a 6-0-0 record at Hornet Field.

Senior goalkeeper Matt McDougall recorded three saves during the match and held Air Force scoreless for 83 minutes. He was aided by the back line of Jeff Buddenbohn, Utodi Madu, Jesse Manton and Ortiz. Seniors Marco Ramirez and Ricky Rodriguez also helped Sacramento State maintain possession for the majority of the match in the central midfield as the Hornets outshot the Falcons 14-9.

Sacramento State will play its next two matches on the road as it fights for position in the MPSF. The Hornets travel to Denver on Friday before playing Air Force on Sunday. The team returns to Hornet Field on Friday, Nov. 4, for a 2:30 p.m. match with UNLV.