Box Score

By Trey Hannula
SMC Athletic Communications

MORAGA, Calif. - With a strong defensive performance and solid goalkeeping, Saint Mary's shutout Sacramento State on Sunday in a 1-0 decision. The win represented Gaels third shutout of the season, all behind redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Remi Prieur.

The Gaels now sit at 3-3-3 on the season while the Hornets moved to 4-4 with the loss.

Sophomore Jake Rudel scored the game-winning goal just minutes into the first half on the Gaels' first shot of the match. Rudel nearly struck again in the 24th minute on a breakaway attempt with the Hornets goalie out of position, but his near side shot was blocked and bounced just wide of the net to keep the score at 1-0.

Prieur only faced five shots in the win as the SMC defense kept the Hornets at bay. The Gaels limited their opposition to one corner kick in the match and kept the pressure within the Hornets' half with 12 shots of their own.

THE GOAL

• Saint Mary's (1-0): Rudel wasted no time in giving the Gaels an early lead as he scored in the 2nd minute of action. Filippo Zattarin started the play with a free kick into the box that was headed by Max Mirner who set up Rudel for an easy tap in goal.

QUICK FACTS

• Prior to today's game, the Gaels and Hornets had drawn in five of their previous six head-to-head matchups.
• Remi Prieur made two saves in his team-leading sixth start in goal for the Gaels.
• SMC had six corner kicks in the first half compared to zero for Sacramento State.
• The teams combined for 30 fouls during the match and four yellow cards.
• Five Gaels had at least two shots during the contest.
• Saint Mary's has allowed one goal or less in their past five matches.
• Sunday's victory was the Gaels' first win at home this season after posting two draws earlier in the year.

UP NEXT: GAELS TRAVEL TO OHIO

• Saint Mary's will embark on another four-game road swing after today's game, beginning with Akron on Saturday, Sep. 30. Live stats for the game can be found on the Gaels' schedule page.