Sacramento State?s Michael Linenberger, head coach of the men?s soccer team, wasn?t happy. He wasn?t happy at all – not with his team or with its 1-1 draw Sunday with the University of California, Riverside.

“We dominated a majority of the game,” said Linenberger, whose team battled the Highlanders into double overtime. “We let in a (fluke) goal and our finishing was pathetic. We didn?t test their keeper.”

The Hornets (1-1-1) outshot the Highlanders 21-11, including 10-5 in an eventful second half. However, many of their attempts on frame pulled up lame or ricocheted off the posts.

Both Vjeko Odich and Sean Luigs, used primarily as strikers Sunday, had shots bounce off the posts.

“We just didn?t bring it,” junior Nick Whittaker said. “We missed a lot of opportunities and chances.”

On the other hand, Riverside (0-3-1) made the most of whatever leeway the Hornets? defense would allow. After being awarded a free kick in the 55th minute, the Highlanders? Richard Joyce drilled a bending ball into the corner of the goal, just past the outstretched arms of Hornet goalkeeper Leo Marin.

Joyce?s 25-yard boot was Riverside?s first of the season, following consecutive shutout defeats at the hands of San Jose State University, Air Force Academy and California State University, Fresno.

The goal itself surprised Linenberger and the Hornets, whom have allowed just two goals during the first three games of the season.

“We had that one mistake in the back and they capitalized on it,” Whittaker said.

Yet, just as they have done time and time again for the Hornets during the young season, the first-year Sac State players supplied added relief in a timely fashion.

This time, it was sophomore transfer Joel Rodriguez?s time to shine.”Joel had his best game of the season,” Linenberger said. “He helped change the game. He?s had it tough but I was very pleased.”

Rodriguez, who started his third straight game, punched home an offering from Hjalti Kristansson in the 65th minute.

The game-tying score was the first of the season for Rodriguez.

Kristansson, who takes most of the Hornets? free kicks, delivered a crisp pass onto the foot of a streaking Rodriguez.

Settling the ball, Rodriguez slotted it just inside the near post from six yards out.

The Hornets had a chance to seal a victory at the closing of both regulation and the first overtime, but the Highlanders? Brent Brentley and his best friend ? the post ? thwarted Luigs? chances.

Linenberger noted that Riverside is among the weakest clubs Sac State will face all season long, leaving a very bitter taste in his mouth.

“Right now we?re 1-1-1, when I feel we should be 3-0-0,” Linenberger said of their recent home games. “Realistically, these were the three weakest teams.

“I?m concerned going into Santa Clara. It?s going to be one hell of an environment.”

Sac State travels to face Santa Clara University Saturday, whom it upset 2-1 last season. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.