PROVO, Utah – No. 11 BYU women’s soccer will host Long Beach State for a Thursday evening battle on South Field.
IN THE RANKINGS. The Cougars started their 2023 campaign ranked No. 13 in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll. Following two wins last week, BYU has moved up two spots in the rankings, coming in at No. 11.
FIESTA AZUL. Thursday's match between the Cougars and LBSU will be a celebration of BYU's latino community. The program will feature a Spanish announcer, latin music and more.
Thursday’s matchup is scheduled for 6 p.m. MDT. The game will be streamed on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.
BYU vs. Long Beach State
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Thursday, Aug. 24, at 6 p.m. MDT on South Field
LAST TIME ON THE FIELD. BYU last played Cal State Fullerton on Saturday, Aug. 19, besting the Titans 4-1. UCLA transfer Ellie Walbruch scored her first goal for BYU in her first career start for the Cougars. Olivia Wade-Katoa and Erin Bailey added goals for BYU, scoring in back-to-back games. Brecken Mozingo scored her first goal of the 2023 season to round out the scoring for the Cougars.
THE BEACH. Long Beach State began its 2023 season with two home games on George Allen Field. The Beach lost to No. 15 Texas 3-4, but bounced back with a win against Boston College, 4-2 on Saturday, Aug. 19.
COUGARS VS. THE BEACH. BYU and Long Beach State have met on the pitch 11 times previously, with the Cougars leading the series 8-3. BYU and LBSU last met in 2019, with the Cougars securing the 3-0 win over The Beach, courtesy of goals by Ellie Boren, Elise Flake and Ella Ballstaedt. As a current starting midfielder, Boren netted her first career goal for BYU against Long Beach State in 2019, and junior defender Lytiana Akinaka tallied her first career assist.