Soccer

Hornets Embark on Four‑Game Road Stretch with Saint Mary’s and Utah Tech

Season opener showcases captaincy, historic series and debut performances

The Sacramento State men's soccer team is kicking off a four‑game road stretch that will test its early‑season mettle. The opening match pits the Hornets against Saint Mary's on Thursday, August 27, at 5 p.m. in Moraga, California, a venue where the team has enjoyed recent success on the road.

Historic Series and New Faces

Captains Zac Giles and Nick Strangio will lead the side, with Giles having earned Big West Offensive Player of the Week honors after a standout performance in the season opener against UC Davis. Goalkeeper Lucas Bost also delivered a career‑high eight saves in that match, underscoring the defensive depth of the squad. The roster also features newcomers Henry Hedden and Damien Valeriano, who made their Division I debuts in the opener, adding fresh energy to the attack.

Saint Mary's arrives with a 0‑2 start to the 2026 campaign and a 2‑8‑6 record from the previous season, while the all‑time series favors the Hornets, who hold a 6‑8‑4 road record against the Gaels. The following week, the Hornets travel to St. George, Utah, to meet Utah Tech on Monday, August 31, at 7 p.m. PT. The match will stream on Mountain West Plus, a subscription‑based platform, and marks the fourth all‑time meeting between the programs, a series in which Sacramento State holds a 2‑0‑1 edge. With the schedule set and key players poised to make an impact, the Hornets look to translate early momentum into a strong start to the 2026 season.

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