SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Two second half goals from Gonzaga gave the Bulldogs a 3-1 win over Sacramento State, Monday afternoon, at the Nike Invitational in Portland, Ore.The Bulldogs’ Arni Pjetursson, scored a game-high two goals, one in the 10th minute and the other in 54th.
Pjetursson’s first goal came on a volley eight-yards out from goal off a cross from forward Mike Herzog.
In the 24th minute Sacramento State (0-3-0) responded when forward Patrick Nelle netted his first goal of the season. Midfielder David Fraser assisted on the goal, as Nelle blasted an 18-yard strike to the upper left corner of the goal, past Gonzaga goalkeeper Sean Sosnovec. Nelle led the offense with a team-high two shots on goal.
Tied 1-1 at the half, the Bulldogs (1-2-0) took advantage in the second half.
Pjetursson struck again in the 54th minute from seven-yards out, when Josh Westermann’s shot rebounded and fell to the feet of Pjetursson, who placed the rebound past Hornet goalkeeper Matt McDougall.
Gonzaga added an insurance goal in the 86th minute as John Reha headed in a 5-yard goal off a pass from John Palladino.
Sacramento State was outshot 17 to 10 and the Bulldogs placed 10 shots on frame compared to the Hornets’ 10. McDougall had a game-high six saves.
Sacramento State finishes the Nike Invitational 0-2.
The Hornets will return for their home opener at 1 p.m. on Sunday vs. Saint Mary’s.
