Fighting frustration: Men’s soccer loses again

The Hornets have yet to break into the win column as they lost both games in the San Diego Tournament over the weekend.

However, the Hornets continue to play high caliber teams and are playing competitively. Both teams they faced this weekend are undefeated.

"We played two top 20 teams and are very pleased with the weekend’s performance," head coach Mike Linenberger said.

The first game for the Hornets was against Cal State Fullerton (3-0) on Friday. Sac State trailed 1-0 late in the second half, but allowed two goals in the final minutes to give the Titans the 3-0 victory.

"We had the better part of the play for the end of the first half and most of the second," Linenberger said.

Unfortunately for the Hornets, they could not convert the good play into any scores, as they were shut out for the second time five games.

Sac State’s final game of the tournament came on Sunday against host San Diego (4-0).

The home team jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead 10 minutes into the game.

"We got down early but came back strong," Linenberger said.

The Hornets tied the game in the first half on goals by forward Rosendo Flores and midfielder David Rios — the first goals for both sophomores this season.

With the momentum turned in their favor, the Hornets had opportunities to take the lead into the half — but could not convert.

Both teams remained scoreless for most of the second half, until San Diego broke the tie with 20 minutes to go on a score by midfielder Brian O’Connor. The score was deflected off a Hornet defender.

"We still had a chance to tie it up again late," Linenberger said. "But we could not take advantage of the opportunity."

A goal by forward Sy Reeves iced the game for the Toreros with about 15 seconds remaining in the match.

"The game was much closer than the final score indicated," Linenberger said. "We played very competitively against two good teams."

The Hornets are back at home this weekend with matches against UC Santa Barbara on Friday and Loyola Marymount on Sunday.