Despite the Aggies (3-4-1) having only a 16-14 shot advantage in the match, they took advantage of their chances, scoring goals in the 32nd and 80th minutes.

The Aggies’ leading goal scorer, Ryan Shaw, scored his fourth goal of the season in the first half. He received a long pass from Keith Gilbert just outside the penalty area and blasted a shot past Hornet goalkeeper Matt McDougall.

The game remained without a goal for the next 48 minutes until Gilbert found the net on his own in the second half. He stole a pass in the midfield and went directly toward goal, beating McDougall and notching his first goal on the season.

McDougall had a match-high nine saves and now has 34 saves on the season. His career total is now at 142, which ranks him second on the program’s all-time saves list, behind Gary Davis, who holds the record with 222.

Junior Marco Ramirez avoided the shutout, when in the 87th minute, after being fouled in the penalty area, he took the penalty kick for the Hornets (1-4-1). Aggie goalkeeper Charles Warne deflected the initial attempt, but Ramirez gathered the deflection and sent his second shot to the opposite side of the net.

It was the second goal in as many games for Ramirez, who came to Sacramento State this season after playing two seasons for Modesto junior college. Ramirez now has two goals and one assist on the year.

UC Davis goalkeeper Charles Warne was kept busy all afternoon by Hornet senior forward Patrick Nelle. He had a match-high six shots on goal, but failed to find the back of the net.

The game against the Aggies was the final tune-up for the Hornets. They will begin conference play in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation at 7 p.m. on Friday at Air Force. They will then travel to Denver for a 11 a.m. match on Sunday. Sacramento State will return to Hornet Field on Friday, Oct. 8 at 4 p.m. for a match with defending MPSF champions, San Jose State. The game will be a doubleheader with the women’s team, who will play Portland State at 1:30 p.m.