In its first out-of-state game, the Long Beach State women’s soccer team stumbled to a 2-0 loss against BYU.
The 49ers (3-2-2) went into the weekend ranked No. 23 in the country and had their five-game streak snap on the road against BYU (2-3-2). This was their first loss since the season opener, which they lost to No. 14 USC.
Their defense had a rare low-performance night, conceding two goals – one in each half. Up to this point, the 49ers had only allowed three goals total through six games.
Ingrassia has made the attacking third a huge point of emphasis for his team, saying they need to finish the chances they’re creating in the box. His team has been shut out for the third time in seven games.
Only four shots on goal were made against BYU. The 49ers had 10 shots on goal against Cal State Bakersfield and nine against University of San Diego the weekend before.
BYU’s sophomore forward Ashley Hatch scored a pair of goals to give the Cougars the win. Hatch came into the game as the Cougars’ leading scorer with two goals. Now with four, she has as many goals as the rest of her team combined. She had previously scored goals against Louisiana State University and LBSU rival Cal State Fullerton.
The referee awarded the Beach a penalty after sophomore Paige Conway was fouled in the box.
Freshman forward Ashley Gonzales, who has been consistent all season, missed the penalty and shot over the crossbar.
LBSU isn’t the first team to lose at BYU. The Cougars are 84-20-13 at home since 2004.
“[The 49ers] have very great attacking, creative players and we were able to keep the ball away from them,” BYU head coach Jennifer Rockwood told Jason Kitchen of BYU Athletic Communications, according to the BYU athletics website.
Despite the loss, the 49ers could salvage their national ranking when they come back home to face last year’s Sweet 16 qualifier Wake Forest on Monday night at George Allen Field.