If the Long Beach State women’s soccer team was looking to make a statement in its home opener Sunday, then it sure didn’t waste much time.
Just two days removed from defeating No. 25-ranked USC, the 49ers scored three goals in the first 23 minutes of play against Sacramento State en route to a 3-0 victory in front of a crowd of 433 at George Allen Field.
Last season, the ‘Niners played Sacramento State to a scoreless draw, which ended up costing LBSU its spot in the Top 25 rankings poll when it was the No. 24 team in the nation. The 49ers haven’t cracked the Top 25 since, but that may change in the upcoming week.
“Knowing what happened against [Sacramento State] last year was definitely an extra motivator,” said LBSU head coach Mauricio Ingrassia, whose team is off to its first 2-0-0 start since the 2008 season and for the fourth time in his eight-year tenure with the program. “But I’m happy with the way we came out and played.”
Senior forward Jazz Strozier led the way for the ‘Niners (2-0-0) with a goal and an assist, while seniors Shawna Gordon and Nicole Hubbard also scored one apiece against the Hornets (0-2-0).
“This is just a starting point for our team,” said Strozier, who was sidelined for most of last season with a flared meniscus — cartilage in the knee. “We had a good weekend and I was able to get open, which is something I’ve been working on in practice. … It feels good to [score], but I wouldn’t be able to do it without the help of my teammates.”
Senior goalkeeper Kaitlyn Gustaves also recorded two saves in her first career shutout.
“I thought our defensive line played very well today,” Ingrassia said. “I thought the back four did solid, which makes it easier for Kaitlyn who just has to do her job.”
The Beach broke the scoreless game open with just under four minutes gone by as a cross from junior forward Nadia Link found an unmarked Strozier in the box for a header that dropped into the net.
Less than three minutes later, LBSU was back at it again as Gordon tapped in a one-touch shot that sailed past the reach of Hornets goalkeeper Savannah Abercrombie. Strozier was credited with the assist as her cross from the right side found Gordon for the score.
“Personally, I feel I’ve improved upon taking more on my shoulders,” said Gordon, who registered her second goal of the season after scoring just four in 22 games last year. “It’s my job to do something every game, whether it be scoring a goal, getting an assist or raising the energy level around my teammates.”
The 49ers weren’t done just yet, though. Hubbard retrieved a deflected cross from LBSU defender Jordan Nelson before heading the ball to the far post to give the ‘Niners a commanding 3-0 advantage by the 23rd minute.
The Beach never looked back after that and dominated possession throughout the game, owning a four-shot advantage in attempts and a 6-to-1 edge in corner kicks.
Ingrassia added: “It’s good to see that [our team] understood the message, which was [they] need to take care of each and every game, put [old] games past [them] and focus on the next opportunity [they] have to play.”
Ingrassia also played a total of 12 reserves who combined for 222 minutes of playing time in addition to his 11 starters.
“This [win] feels amazing, especially to be able to do it at home in front of our fans,” senior forward Nicole Sweetman said.
LBSU will hit the road next weekend as it heads to Wisconsin for the Milwaukee Cup to face two teams that made the NCAA Tournament last season. The 49ers will play Milwaukee at 5 p.m. (PT) on Friday before returning to the field against Marquette on Sunday at 9 a.m. (PT).
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