MEN'S SOCCER MOVES TO 5-0-1 WITH 1-0 VICTORY OVER SAINT MARY'S

9/14/2008

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Senior Blake Nunes connected on his third goal of the season in the 34th minute, lifting the Sacramento State men's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Saint Mary's on Sunday, Sept. 14 at Hornet Soccer Field.

With the win, the Hornets continue to improve on a school record start with an unblemished mark at 5-0-1, while the Gaels fall to 1-4-0.

Sacramento State controlled much of the first half, beyond a five minute stretch near the beginning when the Gaels produced three corner kicks and kept the ball pinned in their offensive third. The lone score of the contest came late in the half, as in the 34th minute the Hornets were awarded a free kick from about 25 yards out on a Saint Mary's foul. Hornet senior Omar Martinez served a ball that deflected off of a Saint Mary's defender onto the awaiting right foot of Nunes, who found the back of the net to give the Hornets a 1-0 lead.

The Hornets outshot the Gaels in the first half of play 9-5, which each team putting three shots on frame.

The second half saw the game played in the middle third of the pitch, with the Hornets having two strong breakaway chances turned away. Freshman Matthew Tellez had an attempted chip over Gael 'keeper Jason Badger go wide in the 74th minute, while senior Josh Zimbrich had a one-one-on opportunity following a lead pass from sophomore Ernesto Carranza that was saved by Badger in the 89th minute.

Shots were close for the two teams, with Sacramento State taking 15 shots to the Gaels 12, although the shots came from different places. The Gaels got the majority of their shots off of their eight corner kicks and set pieces, while the majority of the Hornet shots came during normal play.

Freshman Bryan Oliver produced the fourth clean sheet of his career in just five starts in goal for the Hornets, while adding five saves.

The Hornets will travel next weekend for their lone non-conference road game, taking on Cal State Northridge on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2:30 p.m.