The Hornets raised their record to 2-1 on the year while the Gaels fell to 1-3. Sacramento State’s record is the best start to a season since the squad went 2-0-1 in 2000.

Sacramento State jumped on the board early with a goal by junior forward Patrick Nelle in the sixth minute. Senior midfielder Sam Sneed began the play by juking a Gael defender down the right baseline and centering the ball to Nelle in front of the Saint Mary’s goal. Nelle took the pass and placed a shot in the bottom right corner for the goal.

In the 58th minute, junior defender Juan Carlos Cortez was automatically ejected for a receiving a second yellow card. Due to the ejection, Sacramento State was forced to play the rest of the contest with only 10 players instead of 11.

Despite playing with one less man, sophomore Matt McDougall earned his first shutout of the season by tallying four saves. For McDougall, a native of Sacramento, it was the fourth shutout of his career. He now ranks tied for second in the program record book for career goals.

The Hornets will next play Cal Poly on Friday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m., in Mustang Stadium.