Sacramento State’s men’s soccer team may have gotten a glimpse of the program’s future. Despite three starters sitting out the game with injuries, the Hornets (9-6-2, 4-4-1) were able to take No. 2-ranked New Mexico (13-1-2, 5-1-2) to overtime Sunday for the second time this season; however, this time brought about a different result.

While the Hornets lost to the Lobos in New Mexico 1-0 earlier in the season, the men’s soccer team played New Mexico to a 1-1 draw and even had opportunities to capture the victory at Hornet Soccer Field.

The best chance came with 55 seconds remaining in regulation.

Junior Ryan Rhoads was alone with Lobos keeper Mike Graczyk. Rhoads beat the Graczyk with a pass to junior Eliot Ricks-Chambers, who sent the ball over the cross bar of the empty net. Ricks-Chambers was also involved in the Hornets’ lone goal when he took a pass from Rhoads within the six-yard line and beat Graczyk. The real story, though, was the job done by the role players.

Freshman Adam Owens, who has played few minutes this season as a freshman, stepped into the starting lineup and filled the shoes for fellow freshman Jeff Buddenbohn.

“Before the game I had an idea that I would be playing in his place today,” Owens said. “They have a good offense and I just wanted to step up for Buddha.”

Owens did just that, providing Sac State with a physical toughness on the defensive line that is usually filled by Buddenbohn.

Goalie Matt McDougall, who made six saves including a couple of point-blank saves, said Owens will be a star for Sac State for years to come.

“He looked so comfortable in his position today,” McDougall said. “He is a big time player and he is going to lead this team for the next three seasons.”

Ricks-Chambers once again brought energy to the team on Sunday after scoring his first goal and leading a late charge on Friday to beat UNLV at home.

Sac State played most of the match with a rotation of just 12 players.

The Hornets finish off the season Sunday against league-leading San Jose State. Before the 1 p.m. game, the team’s three seniors — McDougall, Marco Ramirez and Ricky Rodriguez — will be honored.