Sacramento State’s men’s soccer team moved into fourth place in the Big Sky today after defeating University of Denver 2-1.

Pioneers forward Christian Volesky opened the scoring after Hornets defender Casey Bernard could not control the ball in the third minute of the game.

Sac State would respond mid-way through the first half when midfielder Almog Strikowski received the ball outside the 18-yard box and unleashed a curving ball into the top right corner to even the game at one a piece. 

“Right when I shot it and saw it bending I knew it was going in,” Strikowski said.

Scoring his second goal, the midfielder said it was great

moment.

“My best goal in my college career,” Strikowski said. “Probably one of the greatest moments of my life.”

The midfielder said it was a big win for them after being shut out the past two games.

“After we scored my goal, I felt we had the momentum, especially after Chris (Bettencourt) scored the second,” Strikowski said.

Two minutes later the Hornets took advantage of a defensive error by Denver defender Blair Jeralds when forward Chris Bettencourt rounding the keeper to make it 2-1 Hornets.

Sac State had a chance to extend that lead in the second half when midfielder Alex Lopez drove a cross into the box but Bettencourt could not manage to connect on his diving header attempt.

Coach Michael Linenberger said they could have been better coming out of their own half.

“I do not think we were sharp coming out of the back,” Linenberger said. “We were not quick enough.”

Sac State had more possession of the ball in the second half and Linenberger said their play improved overall.

“The second half we played much better, had a lot of the ball. It was probably one of the games were had a lot of the ball,” coach Linenberger said. “We played a lot safer and sharper even though the play did not translate into goals in the second half.”

The Hornets moved into third place with this win and are eligible to qualify for the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation tournament at the end of the season; the top six teams qualify.

“We have a long road ahead of us, four games left and today was a big step forward,” coach Linenberger said.

The Hornets’ upcoming games are at home against the Air Force Academy on Sunday and San Jose State next Saturday.

Daniel Morales can be reached at [email protected].