The Sacramento State men’s soccer team hosted the University of California, Santa Barbara Wednesday afternoon in a 2-0 loss, being shutout for the third time this season. 

“We’ve lost four in a row,” head coach Michael Linenberger said. “We need to defend better, pass better and create more chances [to score].”

The Gauchos started on the ball and wasted no time attacking on offense, looking to strike early. Despite an aggressive start from UC Santa Barbara, the Hornets defense stayed solid and got necessary stops against the Gauchos.

Most of the Gauchos’ shots were off target, but 30 minutes into the game, redshirt sophomore Lucas Gonzales found a space and sent a through ball to junior forward Finn Ballard McBride. McBride was able to score and gave the Gauchos a 1-0 lead. 

Hornet Junior midfielder Cody Sundquist found himself in a place where he was able to take a shot, but it was blocked by Gauchos junior goalkeeper Leroy Zeller.  

Zeller’s block helped the Gauchos keep the lead going into the half. 

The Hornets started with the ball coming into the second half, taking on the Gauchos defense as they looked for a goal to even the match.  

Sophomore forward Dominic Vegaalban had the first shot on goal in the second half for the Hornets, but Zeller made the save for the Gauchos. 

The Gauchos immediately responded with four shots but only one being on goal, which Hornets sophomore goalkeeper Mac Learned was able to save. 

In the 69th minute, McBride was able to score once again for the Gauchos after an assist from senior midfielder Sam Fletcher. 

“We deserved much more,” Hornets junior forward Francisco Magaña said. “I feel like we were the better team for a lot of the game.”

The Hornets offense was unable to find a goal and the Gauchos shut out the Hornets.  

“We felt it was going to be our turning point in our season,” junior defender Genaro Alfaro said. “We’re a bit upset, but we are ready to reflect and move on.”  

The Hornets fell to 6-6-2 overall and to 1-4 in the Big West conference. They will host University of California, Riverside at the Hornet Field on Oct. 15 at 3 p.m.