The Long Beach State women’s soccer team surrendered a pair of late goals to settle for a 2-2 tie with Florida International in an exhibition game Friday afternoon.
After sophomore forward Elizabeth Lyons helped the 49ers open up a 2-0 lead with a goal and an assist, the Panthers came back with a goal in the 79th minute. They then tied the game with another score in the 89th minute.
Freshman midfielder Mimi Rangel scored LBSU’s first goal in the 49th minute. She was one of five freshmen to start for The Beach.
Freshmen Ashton McKown and Cynthia Diaz shared goalkeeping duties, with Diaz allowing the goals. LBSU is in search of a new starting goalkeeper after last year’s keeper, Marinna Meyers, transferred after the end of the 2012 season.
The 49ers will take the field next when they face Northern Arizona in their season opener. The match is set for 7 p.m. at George Allen Field on Friday.
LBSU has won five of its last six season openers.