LONG BEACH, Calif. – San Diego State took its first road trip of the season and suffered a tough 1-0 loss to Long Beach State Sunday night at George Allen Field. The Aztecs' dropped to 1-2 on the year, while the 49ers improved to 3-1 in 2018.
SDSU found itself on its heels for a majority of the game, but managed to keep the 49ers off the scoreboard in the first half thanks to a strong defensive effort from its backline and goalkeeper Gabby English. On numerous occasions, the Aztecs were able to clear the ball out of harm's way or got a big save from their junior goalie.
Long Beach State continued to pressure San Diego State when play resumed and similar to their first attempt of the game, the 49ers had their initial shot of the second half bank off the crossbar. The Aztecs continued to fend off LBSU and, as the game moved along, created more chances for themselves on the offensive side of the ball.
With the game in the 64th minute, SDSU found itself on the attack, but was played off the ball. The 49ers went the other way and Dana Fujikuni broke the tie with a 65th-minute goal from 15 yards out. Katie Pingel and Taylor Bistline were credited with the assists.
In late moments of the game, the Aztecs created a handful of chances, starting with Nikolina Musto's cross with seven minutes left in the game. An SDSU header off the feed, however, was off the mark. A minute later, Rachel Speros sent a low cross into the box, but LBSU was able to erase the chance.
The final five minutes featured a flurry of possession changes, shots and corner kicks, but not the needed equalizer for the Aztecs.
NOTE
San Diego State played its third different starting lineup of the season. Senior Nikolina Musto started her first game of 2018 tonight.
UP NEXT
San Diego State will return to the road on Friday when it begins a two-game trip to Northern California. The Aztecs will face California at 4 p.m. PT in Berkeley before visiting UC Davis on Sunday.
SDSU Women’s Soccer Falls at Long Beach State, 1-0
