BAGGETT HEADS HOME SECOND STRAIGHT GAME-WINNER OVER AIR FORCE

11/4/2007

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - For the second time in two weeks, senior Brandon Baggett sent Air Force packing with a game-winning header, this time in the 79th minute, propelling the Hornets to a 1-0 victory on Sunday, Nov. 4 at Hornet Soccer Field.

With the win, the Hornets improve to 4-10-2 on the season, including a 3-3-1 mark in Mountain Pacific Sports Federation play, while the Falcons fall to 4-10-1 and 2-5-0 in the MPSF.

The contest was a hard fought battle, with 40 combined fouls and five cautions awarded between the two teams. Shots, however, were at a premium, as the teams combined for just five shots in the first 45 minutes of soccer.

Action picked up in the second half, as the teams combined for 15 shots, including eight on goal. Sacramento State was awarded a throw in deep in its own offensive third, and was able to capitalize in the 79th minute. Junior defender Omar Martinez took the throw in, and found fellow junior defender Adam Owens' head. Owens was then able to flick the ball backwards to the awaiting head of Baggett, who was able to float a header over Falcon 'keeper Brian Guyette to give the Hornets a 1-0 advantage.

Air Force then had a golden opportunity to tie the match at 1-1 in the 87th minute, as the Falcons were awarded a penalty kick for a foul inside the penalty area. Andy Nigro, who has three goals against the Hornets over the past two seasons, took the shot, but Hornet sophomore 'keeper Ryan Kenny was able to make a punch save and then corral the ball to keep the shutout intact.

Both teams finished the contest with 10 shots apiece, with Guyette posting five saves and Kenny posting four saves. Air Force also collected a team save in the loss.

Kenny collected his second shutout of the season in the victory, while Owens collected his second assist in as many games. A first team all-MPSF defender a season ago, Owens now has four points on the season, which account for the first four of his career.

Sacramento State returns to action on Nov. 9 as they travel to nationally-ranked conference foe New Mexico. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Pacific time.