Air Force Academy
Sacramento State
Sacramento State Shuts Out Air Force, 1-0
11/4/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Nov. 4, 2007
For the second time in two weeks, the Air Force men's soccer team suffered a one-goal loss to Sacramento State, falling 1-0 on a game-winning header by Brandon Baggett in the 79th minute Sunday at Hornet Soccer Field. With the win, the Hornets improve to 4-10-2 on the season, including a 3-3-1 mark in Mountain Pacific Sports Federation play, while the Falcons fall to 4-10-1 and 2-5-0 in the MPSF.
The contest was a hard fought battle, with 40 combined fouls and five cautions awarded between the two teams. Shots, however, were at a premium, as the teams combined for just five shots in the first 45 minutes of soccer.
Action picked up in the second half, as the teams combined for 15 shots, including eight on goal. Sacramento State was awarded a throw in deep in its own offensive third, and was able to capitalize in the 79th minute. Junior Omar Martinez took the throw in, and found fellow defender Adam Ownes. Owens was then able to flick the ball backwards to the awaiting head of Baggett, who floated a header over Falcon goalie Brian Guyette to give the Hornets a 1-0 advantage.
Air Force, which has suffered eight losses by one goal this season, had a golden opportunity to tie the match at 1-1 in the 87th minute, as the Falcons were awarded a penalty kick for a foul inside the penalty area. Andy Nigro, who has three goals against the Hornets over the past two seasons, took the shot, but Hornet 'keeper Ryan Kenny made a punch save and corralled the ball to keep the shutout intact.
Both teams finished the contest with 10 shots, with Guyette posting five saves and Kenny posting four saves. Air Force also collected a team save in the loss.
The Falcons return home for the first of three consecutive home games to conclude the 2007 season on Saturday, Nov. 10 against in-state rival Denver beginning at 1 p.m.
