It’s become customary for the Long Beach State women’s soccer team to open their non-conference schedule against top teams in the nation. That was no different Wednesday night as the Beach hosted No. 5 USC for an exhibition match at George Allen Field.
In the third installment of their season-opening exhibitions against USC, the Beach couldn’t deliver on a few opportunities as they fell to the Trojans 2-0. While Long Beach State didn’t come away with the victory, it was an opportunity for some new faces on the roster.
“It’s fantastic,” Long Beach State coach Mauricio Ingrassia said about being able to compete against a top-ranked team in the country. “To step in and we had a lot of new players and we showed really well and had some opportunities.”
After coming to an agreement Long Beach State and USC elected to play three, 30 minutes periods instead of two 45-minute halves.
In the first period, USC started strong on the front foot getting an early shot on goal that hit the post. LBSU started the match with some new and old faces as newcomer Radisson Banks and Cherrie Cox looked to put the Trojans on their heels.
After coming to the Beach in earlier this year, Banks has quickly acclimated herself with the team, but was also ready to help the Beach against a team she was familiar with at Washington.
“It’s been really welcoming,” Banks said about the team since joining LBSU. “All the girls took me in like I was their sister on the first day. I feel like I’ve been here all three years. But they’re extremely welcoming.”
Banks is expected to contribute right away for the Beach and she showed flashes of her speed on the field and what she’s looking forward to as LBSU takes on a tough opponents early in the year.
“I think to be the best, you have to play the best,” Banks said. “So it’s definitely an honor to be able to play them and a privilege. Coach just made sure we know it’s ok we respect them, but we don’t fear them.”
After the Trojans continued to apply pressure, Murphy Walsh scored on an assist from Amalie Pianim to give USC a 1-0 in the 48th minute.
Cox had a couple opportunities including one where she stole the ball and found herself one-on-one against the goalkeeper but couldn’t finish it.
“Nine out of ten times Cherrie finishes that,” Ingrassia said. “That’s the tie at 1.”
USC extended the lead to 2-0 in the third period thanks to a goal from Molly McDougal.
The Beach will now have their official season opener when they host Hawaii in a non-conference game next Thursday at 7 p.m.
“We have a lot of stuff to work out,” Brooklyn Antonucci said after making her return following a season-ending injury last season. “But that was like a great blueprint for the season. So, very excited for what’s going to happen.”
