Long Beach State fell 2-0 to Utah Valley in Big West play at UCCU Stadium in Orem, Utah. While the Beach created several quality looks during the match, they were unable to find a breakthrough against the Wolverines.
Utah Valley secured the victory with goals from Nixan Jackson in the 35th minute and Sadie Beardall in the 83rd minute. Jackson's opening goal was assisted by Addie Olson, while Beardall's second goal was assisted by Quinn Rustand. The win allows Utah Valley to clinch at least a share of the Big West title.
Long Beach State had several scoring opportunities that did not result in goals. In the 28th minute, Cherrie Cox sent a shot off the crossbar, and Cassidy Drago's follow-up attempt was saved by the Utah Valley keeper. In the 45th minute, Kailey Supa attempted a shot near the edge of the box following a pass from Cox, but the keeper held the ball. Later, in the 81st minute, Kana Uchida made a goal-line stop to keep the Beach within reach after a header found the back post.
The loss leaves Long Beach State with a 9-5-5 record and a 3-4-3 record in Big West play. The team remains on the bubble in the race for the final three spots in the conference tournament. Utah Valley moved to a 12-4-3 record and 8-0-2 in Big West play following the win.
Long Beach State is scheduled to close the regular season on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 1 p.m. at home against Cal State Bakersfield at George Allen Field.
