DAVIS, Calif. - Despite a number of late chances, Sacramento State (5-10-3, 3-4-2) was unable to find the equalizer on Saturday, ultimately falling in its season finale, 2-1, at UC Davis (8-9-1, 4-4-1). 

Sacramento State came into Saturday's season finale with an opportunity to clinch its spot in the upcoming Big West Tournament. The Hornets needed either a win or a draw in order to advance, however with the loss, the Hornets were eliminated from Big West tournament contention.

The Hornets close the 2021 season with a 5-10-3 overall record and a 3-4-2 showing in Big West play. 

The team's 3-4-2 record and 11 points are tied for sixth best in the Big West. Unfortunately, the Hornets are tied with UC Riverside, who owns the tiebreaker thanks to a 2-0 win over Sacramento State back on Oct. 9.

Saturday's match started much in Sacramento State's favor with the Hornets commanding the majority of the early possession. That possession paid off in the 38th minute when Christo Cervantes put the Hornets ahead with his second goal of the year. 

After an excellent push by the combination of Jhared Willcot and Titus Washington, it was Willcot who passed into the box for Washington. Under pressure from an Aggies defender, Washington fired off an excellent low shot toward the far post. UC Davis's keeper made a great diving stop, but the deflection went right to an oncoming Cervantes, who, while also under pressure from a defender, sent the ball screaming into the back of the net. 

The 38th minute goal and first-half lead was short lived, however, as the Aggies found the equalizer just five minutes later, scoring on a long UC Davis throw into the box from the far sideline. 

The match remained level at the half, but UC Davis struck again in the 53rd, pulling ahead for the first time in the match. 

Sacramento State had a number of excellent chances in the matches waning minutes, including shots by Washington, Michael Gonzalez, and Genaro Alfaro. The Gonzalez attempt, an 88th-minute header following a Hornets free kick, was the best of the looks, but a great diving stop and quick clear by the Aggies ended any chance for a rebound opportunity.

In total, UC Davis outshot the Hornets, 16-9, though Sacramento State led in shots on goal, 9-7. Zack Mason and Titus Washington led the team with two shots apiece, both on frame. 

The season-ending loss capped what was otherwise an exciting season for Sacramento State as the team saw contributions up and down the roster from newcomers and returners alike. 

Gonzalez, in his first year with the team, led the Hornets in scoring with four goals. In total, 11 different Hornets scored this season, including six players who scored their first career goals. Among them were Gonzalez (4), Cervantes (2), Eloge Iradukunda (2), Axel Ramirez (2), Zack Mason (1), and Willcot (1). 

Goalkeeper Ryan Curtis, who made four saves on Saturday, closed out the year with a Big West-leading and career high 74 saves, while defender Tyler Moss finished tied atop the conference with a career-best and team-leading six assists. 

Saturday's match was also the last for a number of talented Sacramento State seniors as team captains Ryan Curtis and Oscar Govea, midfielders Matthew Korpontinos and Pablor Ros, and defenders Tyler Moss and Tone Andres all took the pitch for the final time in the Green and Gold.