SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Stian Erickson''s goal in the 70th minute gave New Mexico a 2-1 win over the Sacramento State men''s soccer team, in a Mountain Pacific Sports Federation showdown, Friday afternoon at Hornet Soccer Field. The Hornets are now 4-7-4 overall and 1-2-1 in MPSF play while the Lobos raised their record to 14-2, 4-0. The match pushed New Mexico''s current winning streak to six games and also gave the Lobos their first road win of the season.After a scoreless first half, Sacramento State got on the board first when junior forward Eric Rabbon scored in front of the Lobos'' goal off an assist by junior midfielder Sam Sneed. Sneed beat a New Mexico defender along the right end line and crossed a pass to Rabbon in front of the net for the finish. For Rabbon, a native of Sacramento, it was his first goal as a Hornet.
New Mexico tied the contest in the 69th minute when Danny Bills connected on a penalty-kick goal. The Lobos were awarded the kick when Lance Watson weaved his way between four Hornet defenders and was tripped up inside the goalkeeper''s box. The goal marked the sixth time Sacramento State has allowed a penalty-kick goal in seven chances this season.
The Lobos took advantage of the swing in momentum twenty-two seconds later when Eriksen placed a shot in the top right corner of the goal from 15 yards out after passes by Ben Ashwill and Watson. Ashwill began the play by sending a pass to Watson on the right side. Watson took one touch and crossed a pass to Ericksen who was alone on the opposite side of the goal.
Sacramento State kept pressure on New Mexico for the remainder of the regulation but could not capitalize. Both teams played equally in the stats as the Hornets finished with a game-high 10 shots (three on goal) while the Lobos tallied nine shots (three on goal). Sacramento State also attempted more corner kicks 6-5.
The Hornets will next host UNLV on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 1 p.m., at Hornet Soccer Field.
