The Long Beach State women’s soccer team will hit Interstate 101 today with their 1-1-0 conference mark in tow for a pair of key Big West Conference matches against UC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly. The 49ers will take on the Gauchos today at 5 p.m., before making their way to San Luis Obispo on Sunday for a 1 p.m. showdown with the Mustangs.

After back-to-back scoreless ties this past weekend, coach Mauricio Ingrassia knows what his team needs.  “I like where we are defensively, but we need to find a groove offensively.”  Ingrassia has tried moving position players and substituting liberally, but the answer might be the return of midfielder Karina Camacho.  The 49ers found some offensive rhythm on the road last month, but when Camacho went down, the gears slowed.  “She is the link between our defense and offense… her last touch is so dangerous.”   Camacho played for 30 minutes on Sunday against CSU Bakersfield, and Ingrassia hopes she can be the spark this weekend.
 
UC Santa Barbara, which was picked as the Big West preseason favorite, is currently tied for first at 3-1-0 and has an overall record of 6-7-1. UCSB is on a three-match winning streak as it defeated Cal State Fullerton and UC Riverside last week. The Gauchos are led by Kailyn Kugler, who has compiled a team-best six goals, 14 points and 31 shots. Tammy Lenham has anchored the defensive end with a 0.77 goals against average.

Cal Poly (9-5-0) is also on a three-game winning streak as it is tied with UCSB for first in the Big West at 3-1-0. The Mustangs, who are ranked fourth in the West Region, picked up a pair of shutout victories last week and will play host to UC Davis before the 49ers make their way to Alex G. Spanos Stadium. CP has outscored its opponents, 21-15, with a balanced attack in which four players have recorded three goals each. Coral Hoover has had an exceptional season in front of the net with a 0.81 goals against average, 75 saves and six shutouts.

Come back to LBPOSTsports.com this weekend for the game reports.

Also, check out some more notes on the team from LBSU’s Sports Information Department

THE SERIES
Long Beach State trails in its all-time series with UC Santa Barbara, 8-9-1. The 49ers had won four in a row, including a 2-1 double overtime victory in Santa Barbara (Oct. 31, 2008), before battling the Gauchos to a 1-1 tie in the 2008 Big West Tournament championship game. UCSB ended up winning the title in a shootout.

LBSU also trails in its series with Cal Poly, 4-7-2. The 49ers won the last meeting, 3-2, in San Luis Obispo (Nov. 2, 2008).

COMMON FOES
Long Beach State and UC Santa Barbara have each taken on five ranked opponents in non-conference action, including perennial NCAA powerhouse UCLA. Both the 49ers (4-0) and the Gauchos (3-1) fell to the Bruins.

The two teams have also faced Cal State Bakersfield with UCSB winning, 2-0, and the 49ers earning a 0-0 draw against the Roadrunners. Cal Poly also played CSUB, dropping a 2-1 decision.

GORDON LEADS THE WAY
Shawna Gordon, who earned All-Big West honorable mention recognition as a freshman, has paced the 49er offense in 2009. She leads the squad in goals (4), assists (4) and points (12), and ranks second on the team with 22 shots.

AMONG THE BIG WEST LEADERS
Several 49ers rank among the Big West Conference leaders through games of Oct. 11. Shawna Gordon and Chantel Hubbard are tied for second with four assists each. Gordon is also tied for ninth in points (12) and tied for 10th in goals (4), while Lindsay Bullock is tied for ninth with 29 shots. Emily Kingsborough ranks among the league’s top goalkeepers in save percentage (4th, .767), shutouts (T-5th, 3), goals against average (6th, 1.12) and saves (10th, 23).

MOVING ON UP
Lindsay Bullock has netted three goals this year, giving her 18 in her career, which puts her in a tie for fifth on LBSU’s all-time charts. Also ranking among the 49er career goal leaders is junior Kristen Kiefer, who sits at No. 9 with 14. In addition, Bullock is third in game-winning goals (6) and shots (119), and seventh in points (38).

AGAINST RANKED TEAMS
Long Beach State’s schedule has not been easy as the 49ers have faced five ranked teams in non-conference action, including two that were in the top 10. LBSU is 1-3-1 in games vs. ranked squads, with its win coming at then No. 21 Missouri. The Beach has also played UCLA, Kansas, Boston College and San Diego.

UP NEXT
Long Beach State returns to George Allen Field next week for its final two home games of the regular season. The 49ers will take on Cal State Fullerton on Thursday (Oct. 22) at 3 p.m., before battling UC Riverside in a 2 p.m. showdown on Sunday, Oct. 25.