49er women's soccer begins 2011 training camp
8/3/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 3, 2011
LONG BEACH - The Long Beach State women's soccer team began fall training camp with two practices at George Allen Field on Wednesday.
LBSU started with a two-hour morning session that consisted primarily of conditioning drills. The 49ers returned to the field in the afternoon when they held another two-hour practice.
Long Beach State, the defending Big West champion, returns 16 letterwinners from a 2010 squad that won the program's first-ever Big West Tournament title, advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years and tied a school record with 14 wins.
Leading the way in 2011 will be senior midfielder Shawna Gordon. Gordon was tops on the squad with seven assists last year, while she also ranked third with four goals and 15 points. Gordon is a two-time first-team All-Big West selection and garnered third-team All-West Region honors as a junior. Also returning in the midfield are seniors Sidney Garza and Marysol Rosas (1 goal, 3 assists).
Junior forward Nadia Link is expected to spark the 49ers' front line. She is the team's top returning scorer after notching eight goals and 17 points last year. Link was a first-team All-Big West selection as a sophomore. Senior forwards Jazz Strozier (2 goals, 1 assist) and Nicole Sweetman (2 goals, 2 assists) will also contribute to LBSU's attack.
Long Beach State's defense will be one of the team's strong points in 2011 with an athletic and experienced back line. Leading the group will be returning starters, senior Nicole Hubbard and junior Alex Balcer.
The 49ers officially begin their season on Friday, Aug. 19, when they head to USC for a 3 p.m. showdown. LBSU then hosts Sacramento State two days later in its home opener at 1 p.m. (Aug. 21).
