The562’s coverage of Long Beach State athletics for the 2022-23 season is sponsored by Marilyn Bohl.
Opening night at George Allen Field was certainly exciting for Long Beach State women’s soccer as they battled back twice to earn a 2-2 tie against visiting Pacific.
“We played a very solid Pacific team,” LBSU coach Mauricio Ingrassia said. “We didn’t play great, but we fought our way back into the game twice.”
LBSU got off to a rocky start and were on their heels early on as the Tigers grabbed control of the game and took a 1-0 lead off a set piece when Anaya Shelton scored in the 12th minute.
LBSU sophomore Maddy Perez tied the game 1-1 when she connected on a long volley that curved its way over the goalkeeper in the 38th minute. Perez is the reigning Big West Freshman of the Year.
After going to halftime even, the Tigers wasted no time taking a 2-1 lead on another set piece when Laila Saravia scored on a corner kick from Hana Rosenblatt.
LBSU played their possession style after giving up the early goal, and senior Lena Silano found herself in the right place at the right time when she scored on a rebound to tie the game in the 66th minute.
“I think we responded really well today,” Silano said. “We were down and came back and then we were down and came back. That’s everything, we have so much grit.”
The Beach had six more shots on goal than Pacific, but wasn’t able to find the game-winner. It’s the first draw in a season opener for the Beach since the 2017 season.
LBSU will host No. 15 USC at George Allen Field on Sunday at 7 p.m.
