MORAGA, Calif. - The Gaels continue to scratch and call week in and week out after earning another point on the road in a 2-2 draw with Cal Poly last weekend. This week, they will head to Sacramento State to take on the Hornets in their final non-conference tune-up before starting WCC play on Saturday, September 27th. Kickoff is slated for 4:00 PM this Friday at Hornet Field and the match can be streamed live on ESPN+.
GAME INFORMATION AND COVERAGE
MSOC | Saint Mary's at Sacramento State | Hornet Field
Sacramento, Calif. | September 19th | 4:00 PM
Live Stats |
ESPN+ |
Tickets
GAELS OUTLOOK
Gaels Start Early…
After their season opening 3-2 defeat to the Cal Golden Bears, Saint Mary's has made it a habit to score first as they have gotten on the scoreboard first in each of their last five games. Despite that, the Gaels have a combined record of 0-2-3 and have yet to pull off a win this season.
They have hung on for several tough draws including on the road against UC Davis, 19th ranked Kansas City and most recently Cal Poly. The Gaels have a -4 goal differential on the season and seem to be a play or two away from stringing some wins together with conference play around the corner.
Fastest Goal in Program History…
On Sunday, September 14th, Saint Mary's scored first for the fifth consecutive game and did it in dramatic fashion as junior transfer
Kayvon Monfared scored his first goal as a Gael in just 13 seconds for the fastest goal in program history.
Monfared collected a loose ball at the top of the penalty box and after driving towards the center of the box, he fired a left-footed shot into the top corner for his first of the season to stun the Cal Poly players and put the Gaels up 1-0. The WCC record for fastest goal scored in a non-conference match is 10 seconds scored by Portland in 1999.
Series History…
Over their last seven meetings, Saint Mary's holds a record of 5-2 including a four-match win streak from 2017-2021. Sacramento State got the best of Saint Mary's last season though with a 4-2 victory.
The Hornets had just one win going into their matchup with the Gaels last season and will be in a similar boat this year with a 1-6-1 record going into Friday's match. Saint Mary's is 18-13-9 in their series history with the Hornets dating back to 1979.
ABOUT THE HORNETS (Big West)
Sacramento State was picked to finish dead last in the 2025 Big West preseason coaches poll, earning 21 points. Junior forward Donovan Sessoms returns for the Hornets and was named to the preseason Big West team after leading the team with ten goals and 20 points ranking as one of the top offensive seasons in school history.
This season, the Hornets are off to a tough start with just one win through their first eight games. Sac State grabbed their first win over WCC member Pacific last week before falling to 20th ranked San Francisco 3-0. The Hornets have been outscored 20-5 this season and are allowing nearly 20 shots per game. Five different players have scored this season with Sessoms leading the team with four points, scoring a goal and recording two assists in his seven games played.
Friday's match is scheduled for 4:00 PM and can be streamed live on ESPN+. Tickets for traveling fans can also be bought online at smcgaels.com.
Be sure to follow your Gaels on Facebook, Instagram, and X to get all the latest Saint Mary's athletics updates and information.
#GaelsRise
