A tense battle for standing in the Big West ended without a winner — and two teams ready for more.
Hawaii and Long Beach State dueled to a scoreless draw after 110 minutes of double-overtime action at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium on Friday night. Both the Rainbow Wahine and 49ers left the field convinced they might see each other again soon.
UH (9-3-2, 2-2-1 Big West) and LBSU (6-6-3, 2-1-2) each earned a point toward qualification to the Big West tournament. UH is right on the bubble — tied in fourth with seven points — with three games to play.
Senior goalkeeper Monk Berger earned her seventh shutout of the season, tying the program record she set as a freshman in 2013.
“We kept the ball out of the net. We just hung in there, double overtime; it is a bummer, but we go home with one point, so it’s better than none,” Berger said. “We’re still in the running to get to that tournament.”
The Wahine had the better chances down the stretch and outshot the 49ers 18-11 overall. The hosts’ showing left LBSU’s longtime coach Mauricio Ingrassia impressed.
“I just told my team that this is one of the best teams we’ve played all year, and we’re the first team to shut them out here on the island,” said Ingrassia, whose team played at No. 11 UCLA and No. 4 BYU this season. “To me that’s important. We had our chances, they had their chances. I just think the (UH) coaching staff’s done a tremendous job turning the program around. I expect to see them (again).”
The Wahine remained unbeaten at home at 7-0-2. All that remains at WPSS is senior night against Cal State Fullerton on Oct. 23.
Battle for possession in the midfield was paramount against The Beach, a perennial BWC contender.
Long Beach, which beat then-No. 11 USC on Aug. 26, is unbeaten in its past eight games against UH, including all five Big West meetings.
“I think we put on a good show for everyone,” midfielder Sarah Lau said. “I think this is one of our better games. … (Tying LBSU) is a huge indicator we’re up there with everyone else.”
UH survived a lethargic first half and came out of the break with renewed purpose. The Wahine had the run of play for much of the second half and overtime.
Tia Furuta went to the ground with the ball in the box with under eight minutes to play in regulation, but there was no whistle. It earned a loud protest from the UH bench.
A Sonest Furtado pass ahead to Addie Steiner nearly resulted in a score with five minutes left, but Steiner put it just high on a one-touch in the 6-yard box.
“I thought we really turned it on in the second half, and (the team) was very disappointed,” said UH coach Michele Nagamine, who appreciated Ingrassia’s words. “I had to point out to them that at one time, we would’ve been thrilled to tie Long Beach. What they’re feeling is just another step in our growth and development.”
Steiner had a change-of-direction flicked shot from 8 yards scoot just wide of the far post with two minutes left in 2OT as the crowd groaned.