BOX SCORE LONG BEACH, Calif. (Aug. 24, 2012) – No. 15 Long Beach State defeated Saint Francis U, 2-0, on Friday evening at George Allen Field to improve to 2-0 on the young season, while dropping the Red Flash to 1-2.

Despite the outcome, Saint Francis showed improved play compared to Wednesday's setback at San Diego State.  Visibly confident front and middle lines were able to mount a more consistent offensive that resulted in several scoring opportunities and three shots on goal. 

The 49ers, who also scored two in a season-opening win over Arizona State, registered eight shots on goal.

“We had a chance to play against one of the best teams in the country today,” said SFU head coach Brenda van Stralen. “While we didn't win, we improved since our last game and learned a lot about what our team needs to work on to get to the next level.”

Long Beach State drew first blood in the first half when Jessika Oseguera recorded her first goal of the season in the 34th minute with a header into the net from nine yards out.  In the 78th minute Natalie Zeeni took a pass from Eileen Maes and shot the ball from eight yards out to the far post of the net.

Saint Francis' best scoring opportunity came in the 41st minute, when Tesa McKibben (Cogan Station, Pa./Montoursville) shot the ball from the left side of the box that passed to the far right post.

The Flash defense, once again, proved it could hang with the country's elite teams as most 49er shots came in at off angles.  SFU goalkeeper Brianna Butcher (East Longmeadow, Mass./East Longmeadow) made six saves on the evening.

Saint Francis returns to action on Friday when it visits Marshall for a 7 p.m. contest.