Thursday, August 14
Long Beach, Calif.
7 p.m.
Long Beach State University
1-0-0, 0-0-0
2
vs
1
Hawai'i
0-1-0, 0-0-0
1
2
F
Hawaii
1
0
1
Long Beach St.
1
1
2
Freshman Natelle El Mokbel Gives Long Beach State An Opening Day Win With Late Gamewinner
8/14/2025 9:45:00 PM | Women's Soccer
The Canadian scored the winner in the 88th minute against Hawai’i.
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Tied heading into the final five minutes despite a large shot advantage, freshman Natelle El Mokbel found the breakthrough for Long Beach State in their season opener against Hawai'i as the Beach defeated the Rainbow Wahine 2-1 in a non-conference matchup.
Long Beach State (1-0-0) welcomed back Cherrie Cox after a year away, and the junior responded early, getting behind the Hawai'i (0-1-0) defense and knocking the first shot of the game off of the left post in the seventh minute.
The Beach then got onto the scoreboard first in the 15th minute as Zoe Willis lofted a ball over the top to new transfer Radisson Banks, who put away a superb finish to give Long Beach State a 1-0 lead.
The advantage was shortlived, however, as just the third shot for UH went in for a goal when Leila Kahoano scored for the Rainbow Wahine, tying the game at 1-1.
Long Beach State continued to push and had two big chances in the closing minutes of the first half as Cox headed Banks in on goal, but the junior's shot went just across the face. Another transfer, Logan Nidy, had another opportunity cutting inside for a strong shot that was turned away by Hawai'i keeper Kennedy Justin just before the halftime whistle.
In the second half, Long Beach State continued to put the pressure on, ultimately taking eight shots to just one for Hawai'i in the last 45 minutes, but time was running short as the game remained tied at 1-1.
Earning a late free kick, Ameera White's entry pass into the box found the run of promising freshman Natelle El Mokbel, who headed in the game-winner with just over two minutes remaining in the contest. Long Beach State then closed out the win to open up the season with an impressive victory over the preseason Big West favorites from Hawai'i.
Long Beach State will remain at home for their next game, hosting No. 19 Texas at 7 p.m. on Sunday night from George Allen Field. Live coverage will be provided on ESPN+.
Long Beach State (1-0-0) welcomed back Cherrie Cox after a year away, and the junior responded early, getting behind the Hawai'i (0-1-0) defense and knocking the first shot of the game off of the left post in the seventh minute.
The Beach then got onto the scoreboard first in the 15th minute as Zoe Willis lofted a ball over the top to new transfer Radisson Banks, who put away a superb finish to give Long Beach State a 1-0 lead.
The advantage was shortlived, however, as just the third shot for UH went in for a goal when Leila Kahoano scored for the Rainbow Wahine, tying the game at 1-1.
Long Beach State continued to push and had two big chances in the closing minutes of the first half as Cox headed Banks in on goal, but the junior's shot went just across the face. Another transfer, Logan Nidy, had another opportunity cutting inside for a strong shot that was turned away by Hawai'i keeper Kennedy Justin just before the halftime whistle.
In the second half, Long Beach State continued to put the pressure on, ultimately taking eight shots to just one for Hawai'i in the last 45 minutes, but time was running short as the game remained tied at 1-1.
Earning a late free kick, Ameera White's entry pass into the box found the run of promising freshman Natelle El Mokbel, who headed in the game-winner with just over two minutes remaining in the contest. Long Beach State then closed out the win to open up the season with an impressive victory over the preseason Big West favorites from Hawai'i.
Long Beach State will remain at home for their next game, hosting No. 19 Texas at 7 p.m. on Sunday night from George Allen Field. Live coverage will be provided on ESPN+.
Team Stats
HAWAII
LBSU
Goals
1
2
Shots
5
16
Shots on Goal
1
8
Saves
6
0
Corners
6
2
Fouls
12
6
Scoring Plays
Radisson Banks (1)
Assisted By: Zoe Willis , Cherrie Cox
GOAL by LBSU Banks, Radisson Assist by Willis, Zoe and Cox, Cherrie.
14:08
Leila Kahoano (1)
Assisted By: Krista Peterson , Izzy Ayala
GOAL by HAWAII Kahoano, Leila Assist by Peterson, Krista and Ayala, Izzy.
20:02
Natelle El Mokbel (1)
Assisted By: Ameera White
GOAL by LBSU El Mokbel, Natelle Assist by White, Ameera.
87:59
Game Leaders
Players
Shots
5
SOG
1
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
2
SOG
1
Goals
1
Assists
0
mid
Shots
2
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
Shots
1
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
1
Players Mentioned
F
/ Women's SoccerF
/ Women's SoccerF
/ Women's Soccer
F
/ Women's SoccerMF
/ Women's Soccer
D
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