After 1 period of play, USC and Long Beach State are tied at 1-1 at what looks to be a dogfight between the Trojans and the 49ers.
USC came out strong to start the period, skating hard and making good, smart plays with the puck. Unfortunately, they have been struggling all season with clearing out in front of the net, and the 49ers exploited that early. #6 Matt Rushdin put in the first goal of the game from the slot through a very crowded front of the net, giving Long Beach State the early lead. USC struck back fairly quickly though as Junior Assistant Captain Dante Caravaggio, in his first game of the season after having ACL surgery over the summer, put away a wide open rebound over a sprawling 49ers goalie, tying the game up, where it stayed for the rest of the period.
Overall, the Trojans have played much better than Long Beach expected them to, but according to Assistant Coach Brandon Krikorian, they were still playing lazy. There were many examples of players losing races to the puck because they weren't moving their feet, and a lack of physicality in front of the net caused LBSU's first goal. However, it does appear that last night's destruction of Texas has given Long Beach a certain cockiness that showed a great deal in the first period, and USC took advantage of their low expectations, bringing some heat to the 49ers. Look for both teams to pick it up in the next period, but USC must strike first if they want to stay in this game. Long Beach is too good of a team to stay cocky for too long of a time. The top 2 lines for the Trojans must step it up, for they are getting more rest than they have in previous games now the Coach Langille is playing all 4 lines.
Live updates are available on the USC forum page as the game progresses, and I will be back after the second period.
James
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