The Hornets improve to 5-2-1 on the season, their best start in Division I history (1991-pres.) , and also remain undefeated at Hornet Field in 2005 with a record of 4-0. The Aggies fall to 4-4-2.

Sandoval took Sacramento State’s penalty kick after UC Davis defender Taylor Aungst was red carded for handling the ball on the goal line. Junior Eric Ortiz sent a cross into the box that was settled by Sandoval and the Littlerock, Calif., native took a low shot that was deflected by Aggie goalkeeper Charles Warne to Hornet midfielder Jack Jones. With a scramble in front of the net and Warne out of position, Aungst played the ball with his hands to prevent a goal.

Backup goalkeeper Derek Shaffer replaced Warne on the penalty kick and Sandoval placed his shot in the top right corner, out of Shaffer’s reach and giving Sacramento State a 1-0 advantage.

After being outshot 6-3 in the first half, the Hornets began to generate offensive opportunities in the final 45 minutes, outshooting the Aggies 10-5.

Sandoval also played a part in Sacramento State’s second goal in the 86th minute. Open on the right flank, he served a cross to Zimbrich, who placed his shot low and to the corner for his first collegiate goal. Sandoval now has three goals and two assists in 2005.

Hornet goalkeeper Matt McDougall made a match-high eight saves and made critical stops down the stretch to record his second shutout of the season and 10th of his career. The Jesuit HS graduate stopped the Aggies from taking an early advantage in the first half when he blanked UC Davis’ Nick Lind in a one v. one situation.

The Sacramento State defense led by central defenders Jeff Buddenbohn and Utodi Madu along with Jesse Manton and Ortiz on the wings, limited the Aggies to 11 shots led by Juan Hernandez and Steven Ernst, who each recorded two shots on frame.

Sandoval created some of the Hornets’ most dangerous opportunities, leading Sacramento State with three shots in the match. Ryan Rhoads, who has three goals in 2005, took one of his three chances in the 15th minute in a one on one situation, but Warne was able to make one of his four saves during the match.

Sacramento State also picks up five points with the victory over the Aggies in the Causeway Cup.

The match with UC Davis was the Hornets’ final tune-up before they begin play in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. The team starts conference play against San Jose State on Sunday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. Sacramento State returns to Hornet Field on Friday, Oct. 21 for a match with Denver.