Sacramento State failed last season in defending their Mountain Pacific Sports Federation regular season championship from 2001.

But the team will be looking to win their second championship in three years this season, however that will be difficult with six other teams vying for the title.

Offensively, the Hornets are led by senior midfielder Sam Sneed and junior Patrick Nelle. Sneed leads Sac State in goals (2) and assists (3), while Nelle has netted one goal and is consistently around the penalty area looking to put his next chance in the back of the net.

Defensively, sophomore goalkeeper Matt McDougall anchors an inexperienced defense that is loaded with first-year players. With so many new faces, a bottom third finish and qualifying as a low seed for the MPSF tournament (Nov.13-15 at Hornet Soccer Field) is a strong possibility.

The New Mexico Lobos entered the season as the 22nd-ranked team in the nation and there is a reason for that. Sophomore forwards Lance Watson and Ben Ashwill return to lead the Lobos’ offense. Defensively, the Lobos present a tough backline led by junior defender Brandon Moss and goalkeeper Andrew Weber. New Mexico won the MPSF tournament last season.

Sac State @ New Mexico: Nov. 2 at 1 p.m.

The Spartans from San Jose State finished last year’s regular season 5-1-0, but finished second in both the conference and MPSF tournament. They, along with New Mexico, are the front-runners for this year’s title. SJSU will look to seniors Francisco Martinez, Frank Sanfilippo and Randy Poggio for offensive leadership this season.

Sac State@ San Jose State: 6-1 loss to Spartans on Sep. 26.

Following a third place finish which included a win over the Lobos, the Runnin’ Rebels of UNLV are looking to take the next step and becoming a force in the MPSF. The Rebels are bringing back the bulk from a team that finished 4-2-0, only a game out of first place. Senior goalkeeper Justin Dennis has had a stellar career in the net and would love nothing better than to end his career by protecting leads that are manufactured by an offensive attack led by juniormidfielder Alex Hernandez.

Sac State @ UNLV: Oct. 26 at Noon.

The University of Denver Pioneers may be in a transition phase this season as they lost six seniors from their squad, including 2002 MPSF Player of the Year, midfielder Nat Borchers who was recently named to the United States Under-23 national team after having a solid season for the Colorado Rapids. What they lack in experience they make up for in defense. Junior defender Mark Wellen and senior defender Brian Kneuer are two of the top defenders that the MPSF has to offer. But with their top three scorers lost to graduation, goals may be tougher to come by this season.

Pioneers @ Sac State: Oct. 19 at 1 p.m.

The Air Force Academy is one team looking to make a serious push up the MPSF ladder this season. Last year’s team MVP, junior Marcus Sagastume, is back and ready to challenge for conference MVP. He should receive help on the attack from seniors Casey Chronister and Dan Bolin. Defensively, the Falcons have a few question marks, but with the offensive personnel they have, Air Force may only ask the defense to do just enough to win games.

Air Force @ Sac State: Oct. 17 at 4 p.m.

Last and least, are the Aztecs from San Diego State, who were the only team in the MPSF not to participate in the post-season tournament due to their 0-5-1 last place record. The offense is the strength of this team, led by forwards Eric Wohl and Matt Couch. With a few breaks here and there, the Aztecs may make the MPSF tournament this season.

San Diego State @ Sac State: Oct. 31 at 2:30 p.m.

After the regular season is over and done with, the MPSF tournament will take place for the first time at Sac State Nov.13-16.

Picks: 1. San Jose State, 2. New Mexico, 3. UNLV, 4. Air Force, 5. Denver, 6. Sac State, 7. San Diego State