MEN'S SOCCER FALLS, 2-0, AT NO. 13 UC SANTA BARBARA

9/26/2011

Chris Bettencourt had a team-high two shots but the Hornets lost at UC Santa Barbara.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The Sacramento State soccer team was shutout for just the second team this season in a 2-0 loss at No. 13 ranked UC Santa Barbara on Sunday night in front of a crowd of 3,552 fans at Harder Stadium.

The Hornets slide to 4-3-1 after the loss while the Gauchos improve to 6-1-1 with the win.

UC Santa Barbara, which will be a conference foe for the Hornets next season when they move the Big West Conference, controlled the tempo in the game, holding a 23-6 edge in shots and 5-1 advantage in corner kicks. The Hornets managed just six total shots, but placed three on goal. The Gauchos had nine shots on goal.

Sacramento State keeper Cesar Castillo recorded seven saves but allowed two goals.

The Gauchos struck first in the 20th minute when Machael David tallied his first goal of the season. After David Opoku slotted a quick pass to David, he finished with a one touch goal to the across the net from the left side.

UC Santa Barbara scored again in the first half, this time in the 44th minute. Tim Pontius also tallied his first goal of the season after David found him in front of the net for a point blank shot.

The Hornets were whistled for 15 fouls in the game compared to six for the Gauchos while the two teams combined for three yellow cards.

Sacramento State opens up Mountain Pacific Sports Federation play next weekend at San Jose State.