The match was the final of the season for the Hornets, who finish the season 6-12-1 overall and 5-7 in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.

It was also Sacramento State’s first road victory of the season and the six wins is Sacramento State’s best finish since 2000.

After both teams were held scoreless during the first half, sophomore Ryan Rhoads scored his eighth goal of the season in the 51st minute to give Sacramento State a 1-0 lead. Rhoads tucked the ball in the left corner of the net, after receiving a pass from junior midfielder Ricky Rodriguez. Rhoads will finish the season as the Hornets’ leading scorer, and his eight goals leave him tied for third in program history with most goals in a single season.

The Hornets struck the back of the net again in the 75th minute for a 2-0 lead, when senior forward Patrick Nelle fed Eli Millan in a breakaway situation on San Jose State goalkeeper Daniel Benton. For Millan, it was his fifth goal on the season and for Nelle, who was playing in his final game as a Hornet, it was his third assist in 2004.

Just five minutes later, Sacramento State struck again, when Rodriguez blasted a free kick from 25 yards out past Benton. Rodriguez finishes his season with three goals and six assists. He ties for third in program history with six assists in one season. All three of Rodriguez’s goals and three of his six assists came in the Hornets two matches against San Jose State. Sacramento State previously defeated the Spartans, 4-3 in overtime on Oct. 8, 2004. San Jose State is also the only team in the MPSF that the Hornets swept this season.

Junior goalkeeper Matt McDougall preserved the shutout for Sacramento State with four saves. For McDougall, who has played every minute in between the post this season, he now six career shutouts, ranking him second in program history. He also finishes the season with 109 saves, ranking him first in single season saves.

The Hornets placed nine shots on goal, led by Nelle with three and Rhoads with two, forcing Benton to make a match-high six saves.

For Nelle and senior defenders Juan Carlos Cortez, Jr. and Marcos Mercado, Thursday’s match was their final as Hornets. Nelle finishes his career with nine goals and five assists. His 71 career appearances tie him for first in program history with Mercado. Mercado also finishes with 65 career starts, tying him for second in program history.