Beach Soccer Drops Black & Blue Rivalry Match at UC Irvine, 2-1

Sunday, October 27

Irvine, Calif.

6:00 P.M. PT

Long Beach State University

4-11-0, 2-4-0

UC Irvine

4-11-1, 3-2-1

Long Beach State

UC Irvine

Photo by: John Fajardo

Beach Soccer Drops Black & Blue Rivalry Match at UC Irvine, 2-1

10/27/2019 8:50:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

Long Beach State took a 1-0 lead into halftime thanks to Kaitlin Fregulia’s goal in the 40th minute, but the Anteaters would score twice in the second half to earn a 2-1 win in Sunday’s Black & Blue Rivalry match in Irvine.

By: Tyler Hendrickson, Associate Athletic Communications Director

IRVINE, Calif. – In an important late-season battle at Anteater Stadium, both Long Beach State (4-11-0, 2-4-0 Big West) and UC Irvine (4-11-1, 3-2-1 Big West) fought hard in Sunday's Black & Blue Rivalry match, but the host Anteaters emerged with a 2-1 victory thanks to a pair of second-half goals on their home pitch.

Sierra Castles and Elysia Laramie each had a pair of shot attempts to lead the way for the Beach, and Ashley Seymour made four saves in goal.

Kaitlin Fregulia put the Beach on the board in the 40^th minute with a creative finish as she got on the end of a header from Taylor Bistline. Kaylee Ramirez started the attack with a free kick near midfield, and after Bistline flicked a header back towards goal, Fregulia fell backwards and swung her right leg around for a volley at waist height, sending the ball just inside the far post for a goal. It was Fregulia's first goal of the season and sixth of her Long Beach State career. It was the defender's first goal for the Beach since Sept. 14, 2017 at UConn.

The emotion picked up after halftime, as both teams received a yellow card within the first six minutes after the break. UC Irvine was able to equalize in the 63^rd minute on a headed goal by Kala McDaniel. That goal shifted the momentum of the game and the Anteaters would add a second goal just over six minutes later on Amber Huff's free kick from 25 yards out.

Both teams ended the match with five corner kicks. LBSU was called for 14 fouls compared to 11 for the Anteaters. The Beach had six saves as a team compared to four for UCI.

Long Beach State returns to action next Thursday on Halloween Night for another crucial road test at CSUN. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Northridge.