LONG BEACH – Freshman Ashley Gonzales had two goals, including the game-winner in the 84th minute, to lift the Long Beach State women’s soccer team to a thrilling 3-2 win over SEC member Georgia in the 49ers’ home opener Friday evening at George Allen Field.

The Beach improved to 1-1-1 on the young season and also reached a milestone with the program’s 200th victory.  Of those 200 wins, 117 of them have come under the direction of 11th-year head coach Mauricio Ingrassia.

In addition to her aforementioned goals, Gonzales had a game-high four shots. Senior defender Taylor Nelson also connected for her fourth career goal. LBSU finished the night with 10 shots, marking the third consecutive game it has reached double figures.

Sophomore Mimi Rangel set up two of Long Beach State’s scoring plays, while freshman Jessica Vincent and junior Elizabeth Lyons each added an assist. It was Lyons’ 11th career helper, moving her into a tie for 10th in school history.

Sophomore goalkeeper Ashton McKeown had three saves in her first career win.

All five goals in tonight’s game were scored in the second half. The Bulldogs struck first in the 47th minute. That started a wild seven-minute stretch as The Beach answered at the 48:18 mark with Rangel delivering a perfect lead pass to Gonzales, who then sent a one-touch shot to the lower left corner. Georgia reclaimed the lead just 14 seconds later, but the 49ers responded once again, this time with Nelson beating out a crowd in the middle of the box to get a touch on a free kick from Vincent. Nelson’s shot deflected off the post and slipped past UGA goalkeeper Louise Hogrell in the 53rd minute.

LBSU continued to put the pressure on for the remainder of regulation and Gonzales eventually broke through with the game-winner at the 83:50 mark. Lyons started the play as she made a run up the right side of the field before finding Rangel streaking down the middle. Rangel then tapped it to Gonzales who chipped a shot over the oncoming keeper.

It was a very different story in the first half as the two teams combined for just seven shots and went into the break in a scoreless deadlock. Georgia held a narrow 4-to-3 advantage in attempts, with its best chance coming in the opening minutes when Rachel Garcia’s attempt hit the crossbar. Long Beach State also had a good opportunity in the 36th minute as junior Vania Robles had a clean look, but her shot sailed high.

The Bulldogs suffered their first loss of the year, dropping to 1-1-1 overall. They totaled 13 shots and were led by Caroline Waters (1 goal, 3 shots) and Gabby Seiler (1 goal, 3 shots).

The Beach returns to George Allen Field on Sunday, Aug. 31, when they take on Denver at 1 p.m.

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