Sacramento State men’s soccer to play in Costa Rica

The Sacramento State men’s soccer team will play four exhibition matches and participate in community service projects during a nine-day trip to Costa Rica.

The 22 players and six staff members are making the first international trip by a Hornets team in the Division I era dating to 1991.

“We’re excited for the competition, we’re excited for the team-bonding experience, and we’re excited for the extra games and training,” coach Michael Linenberger said before the team left Wednesday night. “We expect to have a very good team next fall, and we’re hoping this helps to give us an extra boost going into our spring season.”

Sac State will play reserve teams from four professional clubs in Costa Rica’s top 12-team Primera Division, including 2015 Apertura champion Saprissa and runner-up Alajuelense. The Hornets’ first match is Friday against Alajuela in San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital.

The team also will donate soccer gear and balls during a visit to a children’s community center in San Jose on Jan. 22.

This story was originally published January 13, 2016 at 4:26 PM with the headline "Sacramento State men’s soccer to play in Costa Rica."