SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Despite playing with only 10 players for the final 31 minutes of the match, the Sacramento State men's soccer was able to tie Cal Poly, 1-1, on Sunday, Sept. 28 at Hornet Soccer Field.
With the tie, the Hornets record moves to 5-2-2, while the Mustangs move to an identical 5-2-2 mark.
Cal Poly struck first in the match, as in the 18th minute José Garcia gained possession of the ball at midfield for the Mustangs and sent a through ball to the far sideline to Wes Feighner. Feighner sent a cross to the right foot of David Zamora, who put it in the back of the net to give Cal Poly a 1-0 lead that they'd take into halftime.
The Hornet answer came shortly after intermission, as in the 49th minute senior Josh Zimbrich connected on a perfect through ball to redshirt freshman Chris Bettencourt, who was streaking toward the goal. Mustang defender Patrick Sigler tackled Bettencourt from behind in the penalty area, allowing the Hornets their first penalty kick of the season. Sophomore Fernando Cabadas was called upon to handle the honors, and sent a ball past Eric Franco-Branagan to tie the score at 1-1.
The game changed in the 80th minute as Zimbrich was sent off the pitch with a red card on a tackle of Evan Richter near midfield, which was his second caution of the match, having previously earned a yellow card in the 32nd minute. With Sacramento State down to just ten players for the final 10 minutes of regulation, the team packed in defensively and kept the board clean of Mustang goals to force overtime.
After a scoreless 10 minute overtime session, Cal Poly had a strong chance near the end of the second overtime period go wide, as Sigler received a back post cross that he headed just wide with four seconds remaining, preserving the tie.
For the match, the Mustangs outshot the Hornets 20-5, but put just five shots on goal. Freshman Bryan Oliver posted four saves, all in the first half for the Hornets, while Cabadas collected both of the Hornets two shots on goal, while tabbing his first goal of the season.
Sacramento State opens Mountain Pacific Sports Federation play on Sunday, Oct. 5 as they host the San Jose State Spartans. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m., and is game one of a doubleheader with the women's soccer team.
SACRAMENTO, Calif.
