MEN'S SOCCER PRODUCES 1-1 TIE AT SAINT MARY'S IN REGULAR SEASON OPENER

9/1/2009

MORAGA, Calif. - The Sacramento State men's soccer team opened up the 2009 regular season with a 1-1 tie against Saint Mary's on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at Saint Mary's Stadium.

With the tie, both team's start the season 0-0-1.

The Hornets opened the scoring in the fifth minute, as freshman Max Alvarez took a feed from sophomore Matthew Tellez and fired a strike from 20 yards out to the upper far post past Gael 'keeper Doug Herrick to give Sacramento State a 1-0 lead.

Saint Mary's had a quick answer in the 15th minute, as Trevor Newquist scored on a volley from 12 yards out on assists from Malcolm Alugas and Jason Coehlo to tie the game at 1-1.

The Gaels outshot the Hornets 9-5 in the first half of play, with Alvarez connecting on four shots including two on goal.

To start the second half, Sacramento State had two good chances to retake the lead within a minute span, as in the 56th minute, freshman David Norton's shot was stopped by a Gael defender for a team save. In the 57th minute, senior Kyle Beasley attempted a header off of a corner kick that was saved by Herrick. Norton had another shot saved by Herrick in the 90th minute, and the two team's went into overtime tied at 1-1.

In the first overtime session, the Hornets had the only two shots that were taken, but both sophomore Adam Bettencourt and junior Ernesto Carranza's attempts were blocked by the Gael defense.

The second overtime saw the Hornets fend off a Saint Mary's corner kick on their way to the season opening 1-1 tie.

The Gaels held a 19-11 advantage in shots for the match, but the Hornets were able to put six shots on frame to just two for the Gaels. Senior Ryan Kenny allowed one goal and collected one save in 110 minutes in goal for the Hornets. Alvarez led the team with five shots.

The Hornets return home on Friday, Sept. 4 as they host UC Riverside at Hornet Soccer Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.