The Long Beach State women’s soccer team took to the road after dropping a thorough decision to UCLA, hoping to get right.  They were unable to fight their way back from an early deficit at no. 23 Kansas, but did find some positive things in the second half of the 3-1 loss.

“In the first half,” says head coach Mauricio Ingrassia, “We were giving them too much space—after halftime we took away some of the things they did well.  It’s disappointing to lose, but I’m comfortable with how we turned the tide.”

The tide turned to the tune of taking nine shots to Kansas’ five, and possessing the ball for the majority of the final forty-five.  All three of Kansas’ goals came in the half, the first an early free kick by Monica Dolinsky, who put one through on the far post from 28 yards out, at just the 7:44 mark. The Jayhawks struck again in the 26th minute when Emily Cressy headed in her second goal of the season off another free kick. KU tacked on one more with just under five minutes to play in the first half as Whitney Berry took a long pass and maneuvered her way past the 49er back line to put the Jayhawks up 3-0 heading into the break.

At halftime, Ingrassia knew the mood of his team was crucial.  “At 3-0, with how we just lost that UCLA game, things could have gone south real fast—but I’m pleased with how they responded,” said Ingrassia.  In particular, the work of junior Karina Camacho (who Ingrassia called his team’s catalyst) sparked the 49ers offensively, along with Ingrassia’s decision to move Nicole Hubbard up to forward.  Hubbard connected with Camacho for the 49ers’ lone goal in the 73rd minute.

The 49ers will get some rest Friday night before making the drive to Missouri on Saturday—then they get up early to play the no. 21-ranked Tigers at 8am pacific on Sunday.