The Hornets improve to 5-8-0 on the season and 2-2-0 in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, while the Falcons fall to 2-9-1 and 1-3-0 in the MPSF.

Sacramento State held a one-goal advantage entering the second half before Air Force’s Josh Nannen tied the match in the 74th minute, heading Josh Rhynard’s cross to the left post and past Hornet goalkeeper Ryan Kenny.

Sandoval then answered the Falcons less than six minutes later utilizing his creativity inside Air Force’s box. The Littlerock, Calif., native buried his second goal of the game, combining with junior midfielder Eli Millan. Sandoval collected Millan’s pass inside the box and took a quick touch before directing his shot to the left corner and past falcon goalkeeper Brian Guyette.

Five minutes later, Rhoads iced the match with his fifth goal of the season and 18th of his career in the 83rd minute. Freshman goalkeeper Ryan Kenny provided the assist with a deep punt 70 yards down field. Rhoads collected Kenny’s service off the bounce and put it past Guyette after the Air Force goalkeeper came off his line and misplayed the ball.

Kenny earned his second victory in the net for Sacramento State, making a match-high seven stops including a point blank save on Steve Noller’s shot from seven yards out in the 63rd minute.

Rhoads, a Modesto, Calif., native now has 18 career goals, tying for third in program history, while his 45 points tie for second all-time.

Sandoval, who led the team with eight goals a season ago, scored Sacramento State’s first goal of the match in the 23rd minute, receiving a pass from senior Ismael Echeverría in the box and working his way around two Falcon defenders before placing his shot to the near post.

It was Sandoval’s fourth goal of the season and 12th of his career. Slowed earlier in the season with an injury, Sandoval has scored three goals in his last three matches, all against conference competition.

Millan, who recorded the game-winning goal a week ago in a 2-1 overtime victory at UNLV, served the game-winning assist against Air Force and now has three goals and three assists this season. The 2003 Foothill High School graduate has played a role in six game winners during his career at Sacramento State.

The Hornets will return to action at 12 p.m. on Sunday, hosting MPSF foe, Denver. The Pioneers currently hold the top spot in the conference standings with a 3-0 undefeated league record. The game is a doubleheader with the women’s team who will kick off at 2:30 p.m. against Eastern Washington. It will also be PEPSI Kids’ Day with children ages 17 and under admitted for free and PEPSI sponsored prizes and halftime festivities.