Beach Soccer Falls to Santa Clara on Late Goal

Sunday, September 28

Long Beach, Calif.

1:00 PM

Long Beach State University

4-4-3

Santa Clara

7-4-0

Santa Clara

Long Beach State

9/28/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Sept. 28, 2014

Box Score | Photo Gallery

LONG BEACH - The Long Beach State women's soccer team suffered its first home loss of the season in its final non-conference game as Santa Clara found the back of the net with 40 seconds remaining to edge LBSU, 2-1, Sunday afternoon at George Allen Field.

The 49ers concluded one of the toughest preseason slates in the country with a 4-4-3 record. They will open Big West Conference play on Friday, Oct. 3.

The Beach totaled eight shots on the day. Freshman Ashley Gonzales and sophomore Mimi Rangel led the way with two attempts each. Gonzales connected for her team-leading fifth goal of the year and junior Val Margerum was credited with her first career assist. Sophomore goalkeeper Ashton McKeown finished with six saves, one shy of her career high.

The two teams were evenly matched early in the game with most of the action happening in the middle of the field. Long Beach State started to pick up the pace about halfway through the first period, starting with a shot on goal by freshman Kayla Lombardo.

LBSU continued to pressure the Bronco defense with three more shots and two corner kicks before taking a 1-0 lead at the 31:47 mark. Santa Clara attempted to clear the ball out of the box, but Margerum was right there and headed it back in from about 25 yards out. Her header rolled down the left side where Gonzales was able to slip past her defender and send a beautiful shot to the far post.

The 49ers held that one-goal advantage deep into the second half, but Sofia Huerta was able to get the visitors on the board in the 76th minute. With time winding down, it looked like the Beach was headed into its fourth overtime contest of the year, before Santa Clara netted the game-winner at the 89:20 mark.

The Broncos, who advanced to last year's NCAA Sweet 16, improved to 7-4-0. They finished with 10 shots, and were paced by both Huerta (1 goal, 3 shots) and Brittany Ambrose (1 goal, 3 shots). Goalkeeper Andi Tostanoski added five saves.

Long Beach State returns to George Allen Field on Friday, Oct. 3, when it entertains Cal Poly in both teams' Big West Conference opener. Kick-off is set for 6 p.m.