Beach Soccer Drops Narrow 1-0 Decision at UCF

Friday, September 19

Orlando, Fla.

4:00 PM

Long Beach State University

3-3-3

UCF

6-2-0

Long Beach State

UCF

Sophomore Ashton McKeown had a career-high six saves in a 1-0 loss at UCF on Friday.

9/19/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Sept. 19, 2014

Box Score | Photo Gallery

ORLANDO, Fla. - The 23rd-ranked Long Beach State women's soccer team dropped a narrow 1-0 decision to UCF on a rainy Friday evening at the UCF Soccer Complex in Orlando.

LBSU fell to 3-3-3 on the season, while the Knights, who have made seven-straight NCAA Tournament appearances, improved to 6-2-0.

The Beach finished with six shots as they struggled to find their offensive rhythm in the unfamiliar wet and rainy conditions. Junior Marie MacKenzie had a team-high two attempts, while sophomore goalkeeper Ashton McKeown compiled a career-best six saves.

Both teams showed their defensive prowess in the first half as they went into the break locked in a scoreless tie. The 49ers also created several great chances in the attacking third, the first of which came at the 22:13 mark when freshman Jessica Vincent's strike from just outside the box went wide.

In the 37th minute, MacKenzie nearly caught UCF off guard following a scramble in the box, but her attempt from 18 yards sailed high. Junior Alyssa Montejo had Long Beach State's best look of the period as she curled a shot over the keeper that hit the crossbar (42').

The Knights had a golden opportunity of their own at the 29:14 mark when LBSU was called for a foul in the box, but Jennifer Martin's attempt on the ensuing penalty kick ricocheted off the post. It was the third PK that McKeown has faced in the last two games, and she has allowed just one goal in those three tries.

UCF ended the deadlock early in the second half as Tatiana Coleman connected for her sixth goal of the year in the 51st minute. The Beach eventually started to push numbers forward and it nearly paid off as sophomore Mimi Rangel got behind the defense on a through pass, but the Knights' goalkeeper Connie Organ made a nice play as she came off her line to block Rangel's sliding attempt.

Organ anchored the UCF defense which earned its fifth shutout in the last six outings.

Long Beach State will look to bounce back on Sunday, Sept. 21, when it makes its way to Miami, Fla., for a 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) showdown against FIU.