They showed all they had in the second half, but it wasn’t quite enough in overtime.
After coming from behind the Long Beach State women’s soccer team was unable to hold on to a late lead, dropping a heartbreaking 3-2 overtime decision Thursday evening at conference-leading UC Santa Barbara.
The 49ers fell to 5-7-2 overall and 1-2-0 in the Big West Conference, while the Gauchos improved to 7-7-1, 4-1-0 BWC. The loss for puts huge pressure on Long Beach, who cannot afford another Big West loss.
Sophomore Shawna Gordon led the LBSU attack with one goal on five shots, while also recording an assist. Junior Bo Rael, meanwhile, netted her first career goal.
UCSB struck first in the 28th minute when Jacqui Simon sent a through ball to Kailyn Kugler, who found Kylie McDonald on the right side for her first goal of the season.
Despite firing off six shots, including three on target, in the first half, the 49ers were unable to get on the board. Both Gordon and freshman Jenny Soza had two attempts each.
The Beach eventually tied the game after the break as Gordon lofted a shot from 20 yards out that went over UCSB goalkeeper Tammy Lenham at the 70:51 mark. It was Gordon’s team-leading fifth goal of the year.
The 49ers then took their first lead of the game just 11 minutes and 18 seconds later when Rael settled a Gordon corner kick from eight yards out before placing the ball inside the right post.
The Gauchos came back in the 86th minute, however, tying the score at 2-2 on a header goal by McDonald to send the match into overtime where Alissa Sanchez scored the game-winner. Genelle Ives took the initial shot that hit the crossbar and Sanchez put the ball away on the rebound.
LBSU had its share of opportunities as nine of its 13 shots were on goal. The 49ers also had six corner kicks to UCSB’s two.
Long Beach State returns to action on Sunday, Oct. 18, when it makes its way to San Luis Obispo for a 1 p.m. showdown against Cal Poly.
BOX SCORE
Reports From LBSU Sports Information Department