The Littlerock, Calif., native reached the end of a cross from freshman Josh Zimbrich in the 89th minute, giving the Hornets their first Mountain Pacific Sports Federation win of the year. Sandoval now leads the team in scoring with four goals and two assists in 2005, while Zimbrich, a Del Oro HS graduate, picks up his first career assist.

Sacramento State improves to 6-4-1 on the year and 1-2-0 in the MPSF after starting with its first three league games on the road. UNLV falls to 2-11 overall and 0-4 in the MPSF.

After falling behind early on a goal from the Rebels’ Rod Dyachenko in the 24th minute, the Hornets responded offensively, outshooting UNLV 18-5 for the match.

UNLV committed 18 fouls during the game compared to the Hornets’ 15, but before the second half started, the Rebels were playing down two men after Deshawn Woolery received a red card in the 16th minute and Forrest Smith was red carded in the 41st minute. It was Rebel goalkeeper Peter Clitheroe who helped keep things close with a match-high nine saves.

Sacramento State went into halftime even 1-1 with UNLV after senior Ricky Rodriguez scored his second goal of the season and sixth of his career. The Vacaville, Calif., native also led the team with four shots (three on goal) during the match. Rodriguez’s scored from five yards out after receiving a cross from junior Ryan Rhoads. The Modesto, Calif., native picked up his third assist of the season and seventh of his career.

Senior goalkeeper Matt McDougall made three saves during the match for Sacramento State.

With seven matches remaining in their season, the Hornets have already equaled their win total from 2004, when the team finished 6-12-1.

Sacramento State continues play in the MPSF hosting Denver at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 21. The match is part of a doubleheader with the women’s team, who plays Cal State East Bay at 1:30 p.m. The men will also host Air Force at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23.