Long Beach State University
6-5-5, 2-1-2BWC
Hawai'i
6-9, 1-4BWC
Beach Soccer Tops Hawai'i, 2-0
10/17/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
HONOLULU, Hawaii - The Long Beach State women's soccer team took down Hawai'i, 2-0, for a key Big West road win Thursday evening at Waipi'o Peninsula Soccer Stadium.
With the victory, the Beach improves to 6-5-5 overall and 2-1-2 in Big West action, which puts them second in the conference standings with eight points. They are also unbeaten in their last six meetings (5-0-1) with UH.
"It was a mature performance tonight against an explosive Hawai'i side that was desperate for points on the island," head coach Mauricio Ingrassia said. "On Sunday, we will face an organized Davis team that's also desperate for points. We have to be ready."
Sophomore Mimi Rangel scored the eventual game-winner in the 28th minute, while junior Vania Robles tacked on her fourth goal of the season and second in league play. Robles also led the 49ers with three of their seven shots.
In addition, Long Beach State finished with eight corner kicks, compared to just two for the Rainbow Wahine.
Sophomore goalkeeper Ashton McKeown continued her strong play in between the posts with five saves and her third shutout in the last four outings. It was also her sixth clean sheet of the year, tying her for fifth in LBSU single-season history.
The Beach struck first as Rangel notched her third goal of the season at the 27:50 mark. After making a nice move to free herself from her defender on the right side of the pitch, Rangel was wide open from about 20 yards out. She took advantage of the opportunity, delivering a perfect shot that curled into the upper left corner.
The 49ers came out even more aggressive after the break and it didn't take long for them to go up 2-0 in the second half. In the 52nd minute, Rangel stole the ball in the attacking third and sent a cross into the box. The keeper had come off her line and an errant pass by a UH defender allowed Robles to break through for a one-touch shot to the lower right netting.
LBSU continued to dominate possession, emerging with the 2-0 victory.
Hawai'i (6-9-0, 1-4-0 Big West) finished with 13 shots and was paced by Storm Kenui and Krystal Pascua, who had three attempts each. Pascua had one of the home team's better chances in the 46th minute when her shot hit the post.
Long Beach State will now make its way to UC Davis for a 1 p.m. tilt against the Aggies on Sunday, Oct. 19.
Team Stats
Rangel, Mimi
shot by 15 to left corner from right sid
27:50
Robles, Vania
miss pass by defense shot from top of 6
51:51
