SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Junior forward Eric Ortiz scored his second consecutive goal in as many games, during Sacramento State’s final exhibition match, but his header in the fourth minute was not enough as Notre Dame de Namur prevailed 2-1 on Saturday afternoon at Hornet Field.Ortiz once again found an opening in the center of the penalty area and Pedro Lupercio swung in a dangerous cross from the right side. Ortiz’s header beat NDNU goalkeeper Nicholas Arellano, who made eight saves on the afternoon.
The Argos quickly countered in the seventh minute when Austen Ezzell scored one of his two goals on a penalty kick, beating senior goalkeeper Matt McDougall.
The Hornets had several opportunities to score early on, with junior forward Ryan Rhoads taking three shots on frame in the first 20 minutes of the match. Sacramento State then played the majority of the match a man down after Rhoads was red carded for a tackle in the 27th minute.
With the game tied at 1-1 after the first half, the Argos’ Robert Morini sent in a cross that Ezzell headed past freshman Hornet goalkeeper Andrew Gangnuss for he game-winner.
Sacramento State played a relatively inexperienced lineup with freshmen David von Stockhausen, David Lopez, Josh Zimbrich, Jack Jones, Zach Tuss and Adam Owens all receiving playing time.
The Hornets also totalled nine shots on goal with Rhoads and Lupercio leading with three apiece. The Argos put eight shots on frame.
Sacramento State, who went 1-1 in its two exhibition matches, will open its season at 5 p.m. on Thursday at Saint Mary’s before returning for its home opener at 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 5 against Oregon State.
