Oct. 21, 2005

Box Score

SACRAMENTO - The University of Denver men's soccer team dropped its third consecutive match this evening, falling at Sacramento State, 3-0, in Mountain Pacific Sports Federation action. Denver, who hasn't scored a goal in 270 minutes, has been shutout in all six of its losses this season. The loss drops the Pioneers to 5-6-1 overall and 1-3-0 in the MPSF, while the Hornets improve to 7-4-1, 2-2-0.

Sacramento State's Oscar Sandoval first struck in the 17th minute when he headed Jesse Manton's free kick to the far post, eluding Pioneer goalkeeper Matt Bredehoft (Fort Collins, Colo.) and giving the Hornets an early 1-0 lead.

It was later in the first half when Sandoval again proved to be trouble for the Pioneers' defense. The Littlerock, Calif., native dribbled his way through the penalty box before escaping one defender and lifting a ball to Ryan Rhoads, who headed it past a diving Bredehoft.

Rhoads' fourth goal of the season put Sacramento State ahead 2-0 in the 36th minute.

In the second half, it was the work of Sandoval and midfielder Ricky Rodriguez that created the third score in the 78th minute. A quick give-and-go between the pair led to Rodriguez breaking past the Pioneers' backline. The Vacaville, Calif., native placed his shot low and to the far post and out of reach of Bredehoft. Rodriguez now has seven career goals and nine assists.

Hornet Goalkeeper Matt McDougall made one save during the match on a shot from senior midfielder Travis Hendricks (Englewood, Colo.). Hendricks led the Pioneers with two attempts on goal, the second in the final seconds of the match.

It was the Sacramento State back line of Jeff Buddenbohn, Utodi Madu, Eric Ortiz, Adam Owens and Manton that combined to hold the Pioneers to five shots during 90 minutes. The Hornets finished the match with nine shots, led by Rodriguez's three.

The Pioneers, who have now lost three consecutive games for the first time since the 2003 season will end a two-game MPSF road trip on Sunday (2 p.m. MT) at San Jose State.