Beach Scores Three in First Half to Top SDSU
LONG BEACH - No. 23 Long Beach State rode a strong first half to its third-straight victory as it defeated San Diego State, 3-0, Monday evening at George Allen Field.
"This was a game that in the past, we haven't maybe managed correctly -- the day after a big win," LBSU head coach Mauricio Ingrassia said. "I felt the team was very focused and took care of business from the beginning, which shows a lot of maturity from our group. I'm very excited about the way they handled it."
The Beach, which was coming off a 1-0 upset victory over then No. 11 USC, remained unbeaten as it improved to 3-0-1.
Senior Mimi Rangel, sophomore Sarah Maher and freshman Kaitlin Fregulia all found the back of the net for the first time this season. Maher also finished with an assist, as did sophomore Dana Fujikuni. Reigning Big West Defensive Player of the Week Chloe Froment added two assists on a pair of set pieces.
The 49ers finished the night with nine shots, including six on frame, and also had six corner kicks to the Aztecs' two. Senior goalkeeper Ashton McKeown anchored the defense to its third consecutive shutout with three saves, while LBSU lowered its conference-leading goals against average to 0.24.
Rangel got Long Beach State on the board at the 24:58 mark. Maher started the sequence with her long ball finding Fujikuni on the right wing. Fujikuni then collected it and sent a cross through the box to Rangel who tapped in her 11th career goal, and fifth career game-winner.
Exactly six minutes later, Maher put the Beach up 2-0 when she drilled a shot from the top of the 18-yard box to the left post. Froment was credited with the assist as her corner kick was deflected to Maher.
Fregulia accounted for the final goal of the period in the 42nd minute. Froment once again set up the scoring play as she sent a free kick from about 40 yards out into the box, where Fregulia rose up and headed the ball past the SDSU keeper.
San Diego State (0-2-0) was paced by Milan Moses, who had half of the Aztecs' six total shot attempts.
Long Beach State has a big non-conference weekend on the horizon as it welcomes Loyola Marymount (Sept. 2) and defending national champion Penn State (Sept. 4) to George Allen Field.
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