Long Beach State’s Tournament Run Ends At No. 6 USC

Friday, November 9

Los Angeles, Calif.

1:30 p.m.

Long Beach State University

12-6-3

USC

16-2-2

Long Beach State

USC

11/9/2018 4:25:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Box Score - USC

The Beach is knocked out in the program’s seventh NCAA Tournament appearance.

By: Roger Kirk, Assistant Athletics Director, Athletic Communications

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Long Beach State's five-game unbeaten run came to an end Friday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at No. 6 USC, as the Trojans eliminated the Beach in the first round in a 6-0 loss in Los Angeles.

                USC (16-2-2) and Long Beach State (12-6-3) met earlier this season at McAlister Field, and the result was the same for the Beach as some early momentum gave way to the USC attack as the game progressed.

                "One game doesn't define our season," said head coach Mauricio Ingrassia following the game. "Winning the double for our conference is a great season. I love my seniors, I love this team and I'm very, very proud of them."

                The Beach looked dangerous going forward early, as a Rocio Rodriguez dummy had LBSU through into the box, but the ball was just in front of Katie Pingel as the opportunity went by the wayside.

                After making two saves in the first 20 minutes, Imani McDonald made a third but the rebound bounced back into play, and after a clearance off of the line on a second shot, Natalie Jacobs headed home the first goal of the game to give USC (16-2-2) a 1-0 lead in 21st minute.

                Long Beach State bounded back quickly, as a long-range effort from Kaylee Ramirez ended up just high, but USC would get the next goal. Playing in Alea Hyatt on the right side, the forward brought down the entry pass and volleyed the finish to give the Trojans a 2-0 lead.

                In the second half, USC added another from Tara McKeown in the 53rd minute. The dam then broke as Leah Pruitt scored in the 63rd and Savannah DeMelo added a fifth in the next minute as the Trojans pulled away.

                Despite the scoreline, McDonald finished with nine saves, setting a career high in her final game for the senior. She ends her career fourth in saves, third in shutouts and fourth in career minutes in goal for the Beach.

                Two other seniors closed out their careers with the loss Saturday to seal their places in the Long Beach State record books. Ashley Gonzales leaves as the program's career goals leader with 36 and is tied with 15 game-winning goals. Also finishing her career is Big West Midfielder of the Year Dana Fujikuni, the sixth LBSU player to earn the honor.

                Long Beach State's 12 wins in 2018 was tied for the most since 2011 for the Beach, as the program made its seventh NCAA Tournament appearance. The Beach also completed the conference double, claiming the regular season title for the fifth time before winning the Big West Tournament for the fourth time.