Aug. 25, 2010

Complete Release in PDF Format

LONG BEACH - The Long Beach State women's soccer team will make its way to College Station, Texas, for a pair of games against nationally ranked foes Washington State and Virginia Tech as part of the Aggieland Invitiatonal Tournament, hosted by Texas A&M.

The 49ers are set to take on the the Cougars Friday, Aug. 27 at 3 p.m. (PT), before returning to the field on Sunday, Aug. 29, for an 8:30 a.m (PT) showdown against the Hokies.

SCOUTING THE COUGARS
No. 21 Washington State dropped its season opener to No. 6 Florida State, 1-0, but bounced back two days later to defeat Utah by the same margin. Tiara Pittman scored the Cougars' goal, while Shannon McFadden picked up the assist. Goalkeeper Meghan Berlingo played all 180 minutes over the weekend, logging 12 saves and a 0.50 goals against average. WSU advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2009.

A GLANCE AT VIRGINIA TECH
No. 16 Virginia Tech opened the season with a pair of wins as it defeated Elon, 2-1, and American, 3-0. Kelly Conheeney has paced the Hokies with three goals and an assist. Kelsey Billups and Jennifer Harvey have also found the back of the net for VT. Dayle Colpitts, meanwhile, has manned the net, allowing one goal in 180 minutes played. Virginia Tech advanced to the third round of the 2009 NCAA Tournament.

THE SERIES
This will be the 49ers' first meeting with both Washington State and Virgnia Tech.

LINK NETS GAME-WINNER
Sophomore Nadia Link scored the game-winning goal in the 89th minute to lift Long Beach State to its first win of the 2010 season as the 49ers topped Fresno State, 1-0, Monday evening at Bulldog Stadium.

The two teams were locked in a scoreless tie until junior Shawna Gordon sent a corner kick into the box at the 88:59 mark, finding classmate Jazz Strozier, whose shot was blocked. The ball ricocheted off a Bulldog defender to Link who then put away the game-winner.

TOUGH SCHEDULE
Long Beach State begins the season with a bang as it is set to face three nationally ranked teams in its first four games. The 49ers opened the 2010 campaign against No. 14 BYU and will take on No. 16 Virginia Tech and No. 21 Washington State at the Aggieland Invitational Tournament in College Station, Texas.

UP NEXT
Long Beach State returns home next weekend as it plays host to Utah State (Sept. 3) and Sacramento State (Sept. 5).