The562’s coverage of Long Beach State athletics for the 2023-24 season is sponsored by Marilyn Bohl.
There’s something special happening with Long Beach State women’s soccer and team captain Elysia Laramie.
The sixth-year senior scored an 88th minute game winning goal to lift LBSU to a 3-2 victory over visiting No. 22 Harvard at George Allen Field on Friday night.
“This win has been brewing since the Texas game,” LBSU coach Mauricio Ingrassia said. “I’m very proud of our group, everyone fought for the win from start to finish… For (Laramie) our captain and leader to get the winner… I could not be prouder.”
Harvard (2-1-0) held the shot edge over Long Beach State (3-2-0) seven to four in the scoreless first half. LBSU goalkeeper Zora Standifer made a pair of easy saves in the opening 45.
After the visitors took the lead in the second half, LBSU’s Brooklyn Antonucci found Julia Moore in space in the 52d minute and the sophomore calmly scored the equalizer. Ingrassia said he was happy for her to get a goal after being stellar all season.
LBSU took the lead as a Harvard clearance drifted into the path of Makayla Demelo who lofted a perfectly weighted shot into the upper right to put the Beach in front 2-1 in the 57th minute.
Harvard equalized in the 79th minute, only to see Laramie deliver magic with two minutes left on the clock.
On the 88th minute corner kick, Antonucci was able to find Laramie for a towering header that found the corner of the goal and put the Beach on top for good.
Antonucci’s two assists moved the freshman into a tie for the team lead, while Laramie scored her sixth goal in five games.
LBSU travels to Fresno State on Sunday where they’ve won five straight against the Bulldogs. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m.
