Today on George Allen Field at 5pm, Long Beach State will take on Azusa Pacific in what is becoming their annual pre-season scrimmage. A year after making it to the NCAA’s for the first time in school history with eight senior starters, coach Mauricio Ingrassia has a very young team to pilot through a very demanding schedule.
Below is a conversation with coach Ingrassia about the 2009 season…
Here are 3 things to keep in mind today during the scrimmage…
1. Really, How Big Are Liz Ramos’ Shoes?
Kaitlyn Gustaves (Jr.), Nicoline Jorgensen (So.), Emily Kingsborough (So.) and Kelsey Welton-Baldwin (Fr.) all wear the long-sleeve goalie jersey, but only one will have the shot to fill in for one of the best goalies in school history. Ingrassia says the three upperclassman will each play today, and he’ll make a decision in the coming week.
2. It All Happens In The Middle
Some of the players Ingrassia is most impressed with are playing the midfield, like Shawna Gordon and transfer Karina Camacho. They won’t play too much in the scrimmage, but they will definitely play together because the coaching staff really wants to see them cement a bond on the pitch.
3. 0-0 Probably Won’t Cut It All The Time
This is an Ingrassia coached team, so you know the defense will be solid, but last year the 49ers had trouble scoring, especially against the top talent. They were in almost every game, but the breaks didn’t seem to go their way around the goal mouth. Keep an eye on speedy junior Kristen Kiefer who will see more time on the wing this season.