TELLEZ SCORES EARLY, DEFENSE HOLDS IN MEN'S SOCCER VICTORY OVER UC RIVERSIDE

9/4/2009

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Sophomore Matthew Tellez scored in the 11th minute, and the Sacramento State defense posted its first clean sheet of the regular season in a 1-0 triumph over UC Riverside on Friday, September 4 at Hornet Soccer Field.

With the victory, Sacramento State improves to 1-0-1 on the season, while the Highlanders fall to 0-1-0.

In a physical game that saw 39 fouls, six yellow cards and two red cards, the Hornets opened the scoring early and held on for the victory. After junior Ernesto Carranza won the ball at midfield, he fed the ball to fellow junior Fernando Cabadas, who one touched the ball back to Carranza. He then found the foot of Tellez on a deflected cross, who found the back of the net for his first collegiate goal, giving the Hornets a 1-0 lead they would take into intermission.

The Hornets, who held UC Riverside without a shot for the first 31 minutes of the contest, held a 7-4 advantage in the department at halftime.

The tides would change early in the second half, as sophomore Adam Bettencourt was sent off the field in the 56th minute on a straight red card, giving the Highlanders a man advantage.

UC Riverside was unable to tie the score, and the sides evened in the 75th minute as Michael Galland was sent off with a red card, after having previously been booked for a yellow card in the 71st minute.

Freshman striker Max Alvarez had two late chances to increase the lead fall just wide, but the Hornets defense was able to hold on for a 1-0 victory.

Ryan Kenny collected his sixth career clean sheet and first of the season after holding the Highlanders scoreless for 90 minutes.

Offensively, the Hornets were led by Alvarez, who took six shots, including one on frame, in his 60 minutes on the pitch.

UC Riverside was led by Joseph O'Conner, who produced two shots on goal off the Highlander bench, while goalkeeper Cody Suppe collected five saves.

The Hornets return to action on Sunday, September 6 as they play the Alabama A&M Bulldogs as part of the Saint Mary's Tournament in Moraga. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m.