MEN'S SOCCER WINS SEASON OPENER OVER CS BAKERSFIELD 1-0
8/29/2008
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Senior Blake Nunes scored in the sixth minute to give the Sacramento State men's soccer team a 1-0 victory over the visiting Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners on Friday, Aug. 29 at Hornet Soccer Field, as part of the Copa de Causeway tournament.
With the win, the Hornets improve to 1-0 on the season, while Cal State Bakersfield falls to 0-1.
Sacramento State wasted little time lighting up the scoreboard for the first time in 2008, as in the sixth minute, sophomore Ernesto Carranza took the ball at midfield and found redshirt freshman Chris Bettencourt near the top of the 18 with a nearly perfect pass. Chris Bettencourt one touched it to Blake Nunes on the left side of the box, who ripped it into the back of the net to give the Hornets a 1-0 advantage.
Bakersfield had several chances to answer in the first half, as they put five shots on goal and outshot the Hornets for the half 8-5, but it was to no avail. Freshman goalkeeper Bryan Oliver made five first half saves, and looked comfortable in net during his first collegiate game.
The second half saw the match mainly played in the middle third of the field, with the team's combining for just six chances and three on goal. The Hornets were able to hold on in the final 45 minutes to record their first victory in 2008.
The matchup proved to be a physical one, as the team's combined for five yellow cautions. The Hornets were outshot for the match 10-9, putting three chances on net to the Roadrunners six. Roadrunner Towa Manda and Blake Nunes each took three shots, including two on goal, to lead their respective squads. Redshirt freshman Adam Bettencourt and Chris Bettencourt each totalled two shots apiece, while sophomore Fernando Cabadas and Carranza each posted a lone shot.
The Hornets take on Long Island University, who fell in Copa de Causeway action to the UC Davis Aggies by a score of 3-1, on Sunday, Aug. 31 at 1 p.m. to close out the tournament.
SACRAMENTO, Calif.
