Long Beach State University Athletics
Solid Season without Bid
11/6/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
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2006: A Step in the Right Direction LONG BEACH, CA-- Long Beach State women's soccer, despite being ranked in the top-30 for seven weeks of the season, winning their first-ever Big West title and hosting the ensuing conference tournament, were left out of the NCAA Tournament's field of 64. But the program, which did not have a winning season before last year, took another step in the right direction and should be just as good for next season. "We took another step," said third-year Head Coach Mauricio Ingrassia. "By coming in at the top of our league, our future is bright. We only lose two starters from this year (defenders Jenna Duncan and Natalie Messina) and we have a great group of players coming in. It's another step in the building process." With 26 wins (26-10-4) over the last two years, the 49ers are believed to be the team with the most wins over the last two years not be be invited to the NCAA Tournament. Loyola (MD), champions of the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference, have gone 25-12-2 over the last two years and were also left out of the field of 64. Both teams were taken from Soccer Buzz's "near misses" of 2005 and compared with records in 2006. But the program did accomplish a number of first's this season, including a record for overall wins (14-5-1) and in conference (5-1-1), a record for shutouts (13) and the highest-ever national ranking (No. 20). LBSU also tied the school-record for overall goals scored (32), set the mark for assists (33) and allowed the fewest goals (13) and produced the best goals against average (0.63). Individually, Liz Ramos broke her own school-record for shutouts (12.0), Kim Silos set the modern day career records for scoring and Natalie Messina played in a record 78 matches. Ramos is also the career leader in shutouts with 22.5. SEASONAL FIRST'S INDIVIDUALS IN THE RECORD BOOKS Tara Gotthardt, Senior Goalkeeper Erin Empting, Senior, Midfielder Kim Silos, Sophomore, Forward Hayley Bolt, Sophomore, Midfielder Sahar Haghdan, Sophomore, Forward |
