News Summary
In a thrilling season opener, Long Beach State’s Natelle El Mokbel scored a last-minute game-winner, leading her team to a 2-1 victory over the University of Hawaii. The match showcased outstanding performances, including an early goal from Radisson Banks and a strong debut from Cherrie Cox. Despite Hawaii’s efforts to equalize, LBSU dominated in shots and possession, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Long Beach, CA – Freshman forward Natelle El Mokbel scored a stunning game-winning goal in the 88th minute to lead Long Beach State (LBSU) to a thrilling 2-1 upset victory over the University of Hawaii (UH) in their season opener on August 14, 2025. The match was held at George Allen Field and was marked by significant performances from both teams.
The game’s decisive moment came after a free kick taken by freshman midfielder Ameera White, granted due to a yellow card issued to Hawaii’s sophomore defender Solala Nasu. El Mokbel expertly directed the ball into the net with a header, leaving Hawaii junior goalkeeper Brianna Chirpich unable to make the save, and igniting a wave of excitement among the home crowd.
Earlier in the match, LBSU’s junior forward Radisson Banks had put his team ahead with a chip shot goal in the 14th minute. However, Hawaii managed to equalize shortly after, with senior forward Krista Peterson assisting sophomore midfielder Leila Kahoano for the goal in the 20th minute.
Despite being members of the Big West conference, the match did not count as an official in-conference game. LBSU took control of the match, outshooting Hawaii by 16 to 5, reflecting their offensive dominance throughout the game. Head coach Mauricio Ingrassia acknowledged the competitive spirit displayed by both teams, emphasizing the significance of the opening match of the season.
The game also marked the first sporting event of the UH 2025-26 athletic calendar year. Hawaii faced challenges as they had not participated in any prior match situations leading up to this encounter, which influenced their on-field performance. Additionally, the Wahine head coach, Michele Nagamine, noted that first-game nerves particularly affected the performance of newcomers who were adapting to the competitive environment.
This match was particularly noteworthy for LBSU as it featured the return of Cherrie Cox, the 2023 Big West Offensive Player of the Year, who had been away from competitive play for a year. She played a crucial role during the match and scored the initial goal in a promising return to the lineup.
Hawaii will be looking to bounce back in their next challenge against Pepperdine in the West Coast Conference, where they will need to refine their performance and work through any lingering first-game jitters. Meanwhile, LBSU is set to face the No. 19 University of Texas on August 17, 2025, at 7 p.m. PT, in what promises to be another exciting encounter as they continue their season.
Overall, the match showcased the potential and resilience of both teams, setting a dynamic tone for the upcoming season as players adjust to the pressures and exhilaration of collegiate soccer.
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- Long Beach State News
- Texas Longhorns Soccer Preview
- Hawaii Athletics News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Collegiate Soccer
- Spectrum Local News
- Google Search: Long Beach State vs Hawaii 2025 soccer match
