Air Force came back to win 2-1 against the home side Sacramento State Hornets Friday evening, October 17.

The home loss has dropped the Sacramento State men’s soccer team to an overall record of 6-5-2, and to 1-3-0 in league play. Air Force improved to a 4-8-0 record for the year, and to a 2-2 record in league thanks to the road win.

Sac State midfielder Adam Bettencourt kicked off scoring in the match with a goal in the 19th minute. The goal started with a free kick taken by senior defender Omar Martinez. The cross was punched out to the top of the box by the Air Force keeper. The ball bounced toward Bettencourt, and he hammered his second goal of the season into the net with his right foot.

The Hornets continued to create quality chances to further their lead. Chris Bettencourt and Omar Martinez consistently provided good service from the right field. The hornets were unable to capitalize on the quality service and finish plays, which would become a common theme for the rest of the match.

The Falcons opened the second half strong after being outshot by the Hornets 11-6 in the first half. In the 53rd minute, Air Force midfielder Ben Chavez connected on a cross from Kevin Rosser with an unstoppable shot to the top left corner of goal.

The Air Force captain Rosser than scored the eventual game winner in the 71st minute. Rosser held the ball 18 yards out from goal, and with a shot fake and step to the right, blasted a shot to the top left corner of the goal.

Overall, the Hornets outshot the Falcons 24-17, with 9 shots on goal to the Falcon’s 7. Air Force captain Kevin Rosser starred with 5 shots total, including one goal and one assist. Air Force keeper Jim Gullo also minded the nets with 8 saves.

Hornet forward Ernesto Carranza led the attack with 5 shots and freshman keeper Bryan Oliver had 4 saves for the match.

The Hornets were not able to finish opportunities throughout the match, which seemed to a common theme according to the Hornet coaching staff.

“It was a bad loss,” Assistant coach Jason Gantt said. “We have to make plays and finish them.”

Assistant coach Matt McDougall thought the team got too comfortable with an early lead.

“We let our foot off the gas it seemed like,” McDougall said. “And we didn’t respond well to them scoring.”

The Hornets will look to improve their league record as they take on Denver at home Oct. 19.

Ronnie Nurss can be reached at [email protected]