In its third consecutive double overtime game that ended in a draw this season, Sacramento State men’s soccer (1-1-3) couldn’t put one of their many chances in the net against Saint Mary’s College (2-2-1) as both teams failed to score Thursday in Moraga, Calif.

In the last three games since the CSU Bakersfield match on Sept. 6, the Hornets defense has kept the team in the games.

However, head coach Mike Linenberger said team chemistry and mentality is good even though the team has finished the last three games with a draw.

“We are all a little frustrated with the not finishing a game without a win,” Linenberger said. “But the team is happy that we are playing well.”

Sac State played the game without its big junior forward Chimdum Mez who was serving a game suspension after he was ejected from Thursday’s game because of a red card against the University of San Francisco.

“Not having him in the lineup hurt us offensively because he is so valuable in how we use him to get our offensive chances” Linenberger said. ”But the other players were able to rally with each other today.”  

Linenberger was able to rotate four players to fill in Mez’s absence in the lineup that included midfielders senior Gabe Silveira, sophomore Edwin Luna and freshman forward Brian Van Lackum.

Saint Mary’s outshot the Hornets 17-14 was able to put 10 of their shots on goal.

At the other end, Sac State’s four out of six shots on goal were really good chances including two that went of the post.

“I was quite pleased with our performance today with all things considering with the field, the style of play from the Gaels, and playing without Chimdum,” Linenberger said.  

In the scoreless game there was three yellow cards handed out, with the Gaels receiving two yellow cards one to a pair of defenders, Forrest Solis and Rafael Sanchez. The Hornets freshman defender Preston Davis received his in the 36th minute.

Sac State will have the week to practice before the team heads to Southern California to play against Loyola Marymount University on Friday at 4 p.m.

Clifton can be reached on Twitter at @jonesSHsports