TODAY

The Sacramento State women’s soccer team won its sixth straight home game today, besting the UTEP Miners 1-0 in overtime.

Although the score was 0-0 at halftime, the first half was far from uneventful. The teams were whistled for 21 fouls and attempted 13 combined shots.

By being outshot 8-5, it marked the first time the Hornets have failed to out-shoot an opponent in the first half of a home game this season.

“It was a battle every minute,” said Sac State senior Katie McCoy.

The Hornets came out of the gate with a purpose in the second half though, dominating the ball and out shooting UTEP 10-2.

“Our fitness was better than theirs,” said Hornets coach Randy Dedini. “It helped us get an edge in the second half.”

“We didn’t play as hard as we could have,” said Miners freshman Lauren Hamson of her team’s second half performance.

The physical play continued as well, as two UTEP players were given yellow cards and each team was called for nine fouls after halftime.

The 39 combined fouls are the second most in a Hornets game this season. It is topped only by the Sept. 16 double overtime game at UC Davis in which 40 fouls were called.

“I felt like I got fouled every time I touched the ball,” said McCoy.

“It turned out to be a very physical match,” said Dedini.

Despite the Hornet’s physical play, the game was still scoreless at the end of regulation and the teams headed into sudden death overtime.

The Hornets did not waste much time getting on the board in the extra period. Katie McCoy knocked in the golden goal less than four minutes into overtime off of an assist from Danielle Holloway.

The Sac State bench emptied as the Hornets jubilantly mobbed McCoy on the field, celebrating their first overtime win this season.

“It felt awesome,” said McCoy of the game-winning goal. “We’re really excited with what we’ve done this season and we’re looking forward to conference (play).”

The Hornets were previously 0-1-1 in overtime this year with both games coming on the road. Sophomore goalkeeper Mandy Trojan recorded her second straight shutout in the victory, giving her four this season.

The Hornets improve to 6-2-1 on the year and remain undefeated at home. The Hornets finish its current homestand at 3-0 after a winless three-game road trip that ended in a 2-0 loss to Saint Mary’s Sept. 21.

“Last weekend we had a bit of a downer when we lost at Saint Mary’s,” said Dedini. “We needed to regroup and start building confidence for conference (play).”

The Miners lost its second consecutive game and drop to 6-4-1 overall. The loss marks the first time that the Miners have been shut out this year.

“It’s not that bad,” said Hamson of the loss. “We’re just getting ready for conference.”

The Hornets next game will be Friday at Pepperdine. The Waves are 2-4-3 so far this season and are riding a four game unbeaten streak. Game time is set for 3 p.m.

Contact Fernando Gallo at [email protected]