For over 89 minutes, the Long Beach State women’s soccer team was outplayed by Cal State Fullerton.
It all turned around, though, as senior defender Nicole Hubbard knocked in the game-tying goal and junior forward Nadia Link scored the game-winner in overtime Sunday to defeat the Titans, 2-1, at George Allen Field.
LBSU (10-3-1, 3-0 Big West Conference) had a few shots early, but CSUF (6-6-2, 1-2 Big West) was able to control the majority of possession in the first half. The Titans broke the scoreless game open in the 27th minute as Ann Marie Tangorra sent a cross just outside of the box to Stacie Fox, who scored from the left side to put Fullerton on top, 1-0.
Trailing 1-0, the 49ers looked to equalize the match, and had one last chance in the final minute off of a corner kick. Following a cross that was sent to Gordon in the box, the ball rattled off the cage, and after a Link chance, Hubbard touched in the rebound to tie the game with just 12 seconds remaining.
With the momentum shift after the tying goal, the 49ers continued their up-tempo play in overtime. A light touch from Hubbard set up Link in the box, who scored her Big West-leading 12th goal of the season.
In the second half, the Titans once again held the advantage in possession in the early going, but the ‘Niners began to increase their pressure once the game passed the 60th minute. The 49ers best chance to that point came in the 63rd minute when a header by Shawna Gordon was saved by Titans goalie Lindsey Maricic.
The 49ers continued to press, getting another late chance in the 74th minute when Maricic came forward to punch clear a ball. The rebound came free in front of the net from about 35 yards out, but Link’s strike at the empty net missed wide by inches.
Long Beach outshot the Titans, 16-13, but had five more shots in the second half and in overtime. Kaitlyn Gustaves made nine saves for the 49ers to collect her 10th win over the year in goal.
With the win, the 49ers get three more points and stand alone at the top of the Big West standings. LBSU will return to action on the road against Cal State Northridge. The 49ers will face the Matadors at 7 p.m. on Friday.
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