NUNES BROTHERS LEAD MEN'S SOCCER TO 4-1 VICTORY OVER MENLO

9/30/2007

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. - Behind a goal apiece from junior brothers Blake and Brady Nunes, Sacramento State posted a 4-1 victory over visiting Menlo College on Sunday, Sept. 30 at Hornet Soccer Field.

With the win, the Hornets improve to 1-7-1 on the season, while the Oaks fall to 4-4.

Sacramento State controlled the action from the opening kickoff, but was unable to capitalize through the early part of the first half. That changed in the 37th minute, on their 12th shot, as Brady Nunes scored off of a picture perfect lead pass from freshman Ernesto Carranza to give the Hornets a 1-0 lead they would take into the halftime break.

The Oaks, who were held shotless in the first half, were then able to tie the game at 1-1 in the 59th minute, as Paul DeFusco took a solid lead pass from Gus Lopez and hammered it home.

The score being tied lit a fire back into the Hornets, as in the 66th minute, senior Brandon Baggett issued a brilliant cross from the far sideline, finding Blake Nunes for a diving header and the eventual game-winning goal, making the score 2-1.

Just three minutes later, in the 69th minute, senior Eli Millan was tackled from behind inside of the penalty area, and Carranza connecting on his second penalty kick, and third goal of the season to bring the cushion to 3-1.

Carranza was not done for the evening, as in the 83rd minute he found freshman Fernando Cabadas on a lead pass and Cabadas connected with his right foot into the left side of the net to account for the final margin of 4-1.

Carranza ended the day with four points to pace Sacramento State, while Blake Nunes posted a game-high seven shots.

For the game, the Hornets outshot the Oaks 27-3, and had 11 corner kicks to Menlo's two.

Sacramento State was without head coach Michael Linenberger, who served a one game suspension following a red card caution in last week's game against UC Davis. Assistant coach Jason Gantt filled in on the Hornets' sideline.

The Hornets will have a lone tilt next week, opening up Mountain Pacific Sports Federation play at San Jose State on Sunday, Oct. 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.