Sacramento State Tops LIU, 2-1; Blackbirds Finish Second in Courtyard by Marriott/ LaGuardia Soccer Classic

(box score)

9/18/05 -- Tournament MVP Marco Ramirez of Sacramento State (3-1-1) scored the game-winning goal in the 82nd minute, lifting the Hornets to a 2-1 victory over the host Long Island Blackbirds (2-4). The victory also secured a first-place finish for Sacramento State at the Courtyard by Marriott/LaGuardia Soccer Classic.

LIU finished second in the tournament with a record of 1-1. Lexton Moy (New York, N.Y.), Josh Merchant (New Orleans, La.), and Michael Marten (Ogden, Ill.) represented the Blackbirds on the all-tournament team.

The Hornets opened the scoring at the 17:14 mark of the first half, as Ryan Rhoads took a pass from Ricky Rodriguez and finished, giving Sacramento State a 1-0 lead.

The Blackbirds scored the equalizer in the 51st minute, as Jukka Lehto pushed the ball past a sprawling gotitleender and into the net.

With a little under nine minutes left in regulation, Jack Jones crossed a ball from the left side of the field to Pedro Lupercio, who found an open Ramirez for the tournament-winner. The goal was Ramirez's second goal of the weekend and third of the season.

Alex Fatovic was solid in goal for the Blackbirds, recording seven saves.

In the final match of the tournament, Saint Joseph's defeated Adelphi, 3-2. Mike McInaw scored twice for the Hawks, who finished the weekend in third place. Adelphi finished in fourth.

The Blackbirds return to action on Sunday, Sept. 25 as they open Northeast Conference play at Monmouth. The game is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.