Wake Forest Athletics
Wake Forest University
Long Beach State
Deacs Upset Long Beach State 1-0 in Home Opener
9/5/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 5, 2007
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The No. 24 Wake Forest women's soccer team upset No. 23 Long Beach State at the Deacon home opener Wednesday at Spry Stadium. The Deacs improved their record to 2-1-0, while the 49ers registered their first loss of the season.
The Deacs stifled the 49ers' defense through much of the first half, holding the visitors shotless while posting nine shots of their own. With the ball staying largely in LBS territory through the first 35 minutes, the young WFU offense earned key game time experience.
Freshman midfielder Amanda Germano introduced herself to the crowd at Spry Stadium with quality touches and one shot in her home career debut. Sophomore forwards Allie Sadow and Caitlin Farrell each played every minute of Wednesday's contest and posted one shot for the Deacs.
Senior Megan Upchurch helped lead the young o-line along with Amy Smerdzinski, who assisted in Hutchinson's second half game-winner.
Despite the domination of LBS's defense in the first half, WFU lacked quality shots on goal.
"They needed to be more efficient," Head Coach Tony da Luz said. "We created a lot of chances but we have to get more shots on goal."
Long Beach State intensified their attack in the second half, but senior Kristina Hanley and the other members of WFU's defensive were up for the challenge. Through six shots the 49ers only managed two SOGs. WFU's freshman goalkeeper Amanda Barasha, who spent the entire game in net, registered two saves for the night.
Hutchinson's goal from a rebounded corner kick in the 46th minute proved to be the winning edge for the Deacons.
"Long Beach State is a very good, very explosive team," da Luz said. "We are extremely grateful for this win."
The Deacs will look for their third consecutive win this weekend at the Virginia Tech Classic, where they face Loyola (Md.) on Friday night in Blacksburg, Va.
