The Long Beach State women’s soccer team looks to regain its stride this weekend at the UNLV Rebel Classic in Las Vegas for the conclusion of a four-game road stretch.
The 49ers (4-3-1), who are coming off consecutive shutout losses against Saint Mary’s and 19th-ranked California, return to action Friday at 7 p.m. to face the UNLV Rebels (5-2-0) at Peter Johann Memorial Field.
Despite the ‘Niners recent struggles, head coach Mauricio Ingrassia expects the team to bounce back and make the necessary adjustments on defense against the Rebels.
“We’re going through a little bit of a slump right now and I think our backline needs to tighten up and not let people in behind them,” Ingrassia said.
Senior midfielder Karina Camacho anchored The Beach’s offense the last two games as she recorded a team-high five shots, four of which were on target.
“She felt good about how she put the team on her back and really dictated the play,” Ingrassia said. “She definitely had a good performance and I’m sure she’ll carry that into the weekend.”
Led by head coach Jennifer Klein, the Rebels have connected for 16 goals in their seven games this season.
After winning five of their first six games, the Rebels endured their first home loss of the season this past Sunday in a 1-0 contest with Cal State Northridge.
Senior forward Ashleigh Shoughro leads the team this year with 17 shots on goal, six of which found the back of net.
Earlier this season, Shoughro also broke the UNLV record for most goals scored in a game with four, which secured a 5-2 victory over Albany.
“She’s a good player, but as long as we can drop and not have our line so high, then there’s not going to be a lot of space for her,” Ingrassia said.
The Beach suffered a home loss in its last game against the Rebels, 1-0, in September 2008, and has yet to record a win over them in five meetings.
The ‘Niners conclude their road trip to Las Vegas on Sunday as they face the Akron Zips (2-3-0), marking the first-ever meeting between the two teams.
The Zips, led by head coach Chris Pfau, are also coming off a pair of shutout losses on the road.
Midfielder Leigh Cullen and forward Katie Wise lead the Zips in scoring this season with three goals apiece.
Cullen and Wise were named Mid-America Conference Offensive Player of the Week this season after both players netted a hat trick in separate victories over Illinois State and Canisius.
“I think that both teams are going to be tough,” Ingrassia said. “There are no easy games, but UNLV has definitely beat some good teams at home.”
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