The Big West Conference women’s soccer clash between Long Beach State and Cal Poly on Thursday at George Allen Field played out like a heavyweight boxing bout.
LBSU bossed the proceedings and landed big punches early, but couldn’t take down the underdog Mustangs and their strong jaw until freshman Elysia Laramie knocked Cal Poly out with a 102nd minute golden goal.
“We just had to stay focused and know that we needed to keep making plays,” LBSU coach Mauricio Ingrassia said. “That play was going to come.”
LBSU (7-4-2, 2-0-1) dominated possession while outshooting Cal Poly 26-4, and 7-1 in shots on goal. Senior Dana Fujikuni led the Beach with six shots, and the senior set up the game-winning goal in the second overtime. Fujikuni sent a low cross into the box that Rocio Rodriguez flicked on to Laramie who nutmegged a defender for her first collegiate goal.
“I knew (Rodriguez) was going to dummy it because I saw her shoulder fake,” Laramie said. “I was ready for it. It gets frustrating (not scoring) but I think just having a positive mentality knowing that we’re going to get one in if we keep pushing.”
LBSU hosts UC Santa Barbara at 6 p.m. on Sunday.
