UC Irvine downs Hornets

Overtime loss marks end of non-conference season

The non-conference season ended Sunday for the Sac State men with a 1-0 overtime loss to UC Irvine.

Hornet coach Mike Linenberger called the match one of the ugliest he has seen in his11 years at the university.

“There were 40 or 50 fouls, there was no rhythm, there was no possession,” he said. “There were just two teams battling it out.”

A battle is the best way to sum up a game that featured a combined 44 fouls, 23 by the Hornets.

“There was not a lot of soccer played by either team,” Linenberger said.

The referees let the game deteriorate by not giving out yellow cards early and making the teams play clean, according to Linenberger.

The lone goal of the match came in the 101st minute when UC Irvine midfielder Jon Spencer beat Hornet goalkeeper Joey Hills from eight yards out on a cross from teammate Jason Thompson.

The goal handed the Hornets their third consecutive loss, but Linenberger said the team took a step in the right direction going into their seven-game conference season.

“We were very pleased with our effort this weekend,” Linenberger said. “It was a definite improvement over last weekend.”

He also said the team will need to play much better soccer in order to compete in the conference. Specifically, he said the Hornets need to improve on its ball possession, become more offensive and create more scoring opportunities.

Against Irvine, the Hornets were outshot 23 to 10 and were shut out for the third consecutive game.

However, one of the shutouts was a 1-0 loss Santa Clara — the No.2 ranked team in the nation.

“That three game stretch (the two wins and the loss to Santa Clara) really boosted our confidence,” Linenberger said. “We know that if we put in the effort we will have a chance to win every game. That was indicative Sunday as well as against Santa Clara.”

Sac State will have to put forth that effort as they now have two tough matches on the road against California and Stanford on Friday and Saturday.

“The conference is a whole new season,” Linenberger said. “Everyone starts at 0-0-0, including us.”

Linenberger says the team is excited about the beginning of conference play and is ready to wash away the memories of the 2-9 non-conference season.

“If we come out of the trip with one win it will be a very successful weekend,” Linenberger said.