The Sacramento State men’s soccer team improved to an overall record of 5-0-1 with two victories over visitors Menlo College and Saint Mary’s this weekend.

On Friday, Sept. 12, Sac State easily handled Menlo College, cruising to a 2-0 victory over the substitute-less opponent. Sac State dominated procession for most of the match, and overwhelmed Menlo College with 25 shots, 13 on goal.

The scoring opened in the 8th minute thanks to an own-goal by midfielder Said Karimzad of Menlo College. The own goal was a result of a free kick given to Sac State outside the box. Senior defender Omar Martinez crossed the ball in front of the visitors goal, and amid the confusion, the hornets got the benefit of the own-goal.

The Hornets extended their lead to 2-0 with a goal from freshman forward Matt Foy. Foy blasted a right-footed volley 18 feet away after the Menlo defense cleared the ball from a corner kick.

“It was a surprise, a really nice surprise,” Foy said. “I am really happy to get the playing time and showing how much I can do for the team.”

Sac State continued dominating the match with several opportunities for more goals, but often overplayed them, attempting one too many passes.

“I was disappointed with the work rate and quality of play,” assistant coach Jason Gantt said. “I think it should have been five or six-nil.”

The Hornets continued to improve on Sunday, Sept. 14, with a 1-0 victory over visiting St. Mary’s.

In a much more competitive match then Friday, Sac State won as a team, earning its 5th shutout in six games. Freshman goalkeeper Bryan Oliver minded the nets with an impressive five saves.

Sac State star forward, Blake Nunes, scored his third goal of the year in the 33rd minute, giving the Hornets the 1-0 lead into halftime. A St. Mary’s defender deflected the ball towards Nunes who, at the right place at the right time, found the back of the net.

Both sides had numerous chances throughout the match. Sac State, who dominated the first half with nine shots, finished with 15 overall to St. Mary’s 12.

“We were just going through the motions in Friday’s match,” head-coach Michael Linenberger said. “But today, we came out flying this game. I think we played our best first half of soccer today.”

Sac State looks to continue building on its successful campaign as it faces Cal State Northridge next Sunday, Sept. 21.

“Five shutouts in six games is tremendous,” Linenberger said. “As long as we don’t give up too many goals, we will win a lot of games.