The Long Beach State women’s soccer team jumped to first place in the Big West Conference after defeating Cal State Northridge Thursday night in front of over 1,000 people during the 49ers’ last home game of the season.
With the victory, the 49ers (8-5-5, 4-1-2) secured their spot in the Big West Tournament, where four of the nine Big West teams qualify to compete.
The 49ers got out in front of the visiting Matadors (7-9-1, 4-2-0) with a goal from freshman forward Ashley Gonzales. It was Gonzales’ eighth goal of the season, and head coach Mauricio Ingrassia marveled at her progression as a player.
“You don’t know what to expect from freshmen, really,” Ingrassia said. “She’s a special talent, and she’s just getting started. She’s a hard worker, very focused, loves the game. It’s a pleasant surprise.”
It was another impressive performance for the 49ers against Big West competition. The game marked the third consecutive clean sheet for sophomore goalkeeper Ashton McKeown.
Ingrassia said he thought his team played well all around, defensively and offensively.
“We were good on the ball,” Ingrassia said. “We let the ball do the work, and were really composed. I felt really good about how we put our stamp on the game.”
Before the start of the game, the 49ers took a moment to honor their four graduating seniors: defender Taylor Nelson, defender Natalie Zeenni, goalkeeper Kaci McCain and forward Matisse Hemingway.
A very emotional Nelson described what she will miss most about LBSU.
“Just being around the girls every day,” Nelson said. “They’re my family. I spend every day with them, so they mean a lot to me. It’s weird thinking about how in a couple weeks, I’m going to be waking up and not spending five hours with them.”
A more subdued Zeenni said she was still numb to the fact that she had just played her final home game.
“I keep hearing it, and I know it,” Zeenni said. “But I haven’t felt it yet, I don’t think.”
Like Nelson, Zeenni said she will miss the family atmosphere the LBSU program has created.
“It really is something special here,” Zeenni said. “In New Mexico, I didn’t feel like anybody had my back. I came here, and every single girl had my back whether I was performing [well] or [not]…It’s like having 23 little sisters.”
Zeenni said the chemistry with her teammates is a major reason for the team’s success.
“When you love every single girl on your team, especially on a girl’s team, that’s something special. With this team, there’s only love,” Zeenni said.
The 49ers will now have a nine-day break before traveling to UC Riverside for their final regular game of the season.