The Sacramento State men’s soccer team failed to secure their earlylead in a 1-2 loss against visiting New Mexico on Friday. The loss is the second in a row for the Hornets, who are now 2-6-0 in conference play, 7-8-2 overall.

The Hornets dominated much of the first half against the Lobos thanks to an 18th minute goal produced by Ernesto Carranza. Senior Josh Zimbrich sent a cross from the left that was deflected by a New Mexico defender. The ball found Carranza who controlled the ball, and with a left foot shot fake and a cut to the right foot, found the back on the net.

“I saw Josh and made a back post run,” Carranza said of his second goal of the season. “I got the ball and shot for the far post.”

The Hornet attack was dangerous throughout the rest of the first half. The midfield and backfield supplied ample crosses for the attackers. Forwards Mathew Tellez and Blake Nunes created problems for the Lobo defense with four first half shots apiece. Sac State had a total of seven shots on goal.

The best opportunity for the Hornets to extend their lead to two came late in the first half. Zimbrich orchestrated a fast break from left midfield. Charging at the Lobo defenders, Zimbrich dropped off a pass to a lonely Blake Nunes on the right. Just a few feet from goal, Nunes was unable to finish the open shot.

The Hornets outshot the Lobos 11-2 and kept New Mexico goal keeper Justin Fite busy, who had 6 first half saves. The second half was a complete opposite story of the first, with New Mexico outshooting Sac State 16-3.

New Mexico equalized the match in the 58th minute with a penatly kick scored by Simon Ejdemyr, his fourth goal of the season, three coming from PKs. Hornet goal keeper Ryan Kenny received a yellow card for fouling a New Mexico forward inside the box, which resulted in a PK.

Each team had their fair share of chances to win the game. The Hornets conducted a few opportunities but often made one too many passes. Both teams fought out the rest of regulation and ended with a tie.

The matched entered golden goal overtime. In the first overtime, senior Zimbrich cut through Lobo defenders and shot wide of goal in the 98th minute. In the second overtime, New Mexico converted their golden opportunity in the 104th minute. Forward Justin Davis blasted a 18 yard shot past thanks to a cross from teammate Chris Wright.

Overall, the Hornets were disappointed with their second half performance.

“It’s a heart breaker,” said midfielder Adam Bettencourt. “We had a lot of energy in the first, but we came out flat in the second and they capitalized on it.”

Head coach Mike Linenberger agreed.

“We should have put the match out of reach in the first half, easily could have been 3-0,” Linenberger said. “The second half was the opposite story.”

New Mexico out shot Sac State 18-14 as each team had seven shots on goal.

The Hornets will play their final home game of the conference play at 1 p.m. Sunday as they welcome UNLV. Sac State will honor its six seniors for their final match, P.J. Egloria, Omar Martinez, Blake Nunes, Brady Nunes, Adam Owens, and Josh Zimbrich.

Ronnie Nurss can be reached at [email protected]