Issue date: 8/30/08 Section: Sports

Hornet forward Ernesto Carranza takes a shot after beating CSUB's Sean Jarvis. [Click to enlarge]

The Hornets' leading scorer of last season, senior Blake Nunes, lifted the Sacramento State Hornets to a 1-0 win over California State University Bakersfield on Friday.

Sacramento State men's soccer wasted no time getting to business early in the game. In the sixth minute of play, forward Ernesto Carranza found freshman winger Chris Bettencourt outside. Bettencourt kicked a wonderful cross where senior Blake Nunes was able to connect with.

"Give credit to Chris [Bettencourt] for giving a nice ball from outside," Nunes said. "I have a lot of confidence up front thanks to my teammates."

After the early goal for Sac State, Cal State Bakersfield, which featured four players from abroad, controlled most of the first half with five shots on the goal. Freshmen Sac State keeper Brian Oliver was kept busy, making five saves. The Hornets back line also deserves credit, with captain Omar Martinez leading.

"We as a backline have great communication, which is big," Martinez said. "We are familiar with each other, as we have all worked hard over the summer."

So far this season, the Sac state backline has earned two shutouts in a row.

The second half was a grueling and hard fought match for both teams. With CSUB committing 12 fouls, and Sac State with 13, the Hornets were better equipped mentally to finish and win the match.

Head coach Michael Linenberger, now in his 20th season, was proud of his team's victory.

"In 20 seasons of coaching, I feel this is the most prepared and fittest team I've had," Linenberger said. "We have worked hard all summer, and as for next match, we will look to become sharper and create more chances in our attack."

The Sac State men's next home game is against Long Island on August 31 .

Ronnie Nurss can be reached at rnurss@statehornet.com.

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