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Senior
Allison Wiegand has the women's soccer team
off to a 3-0-1 start. Matt Brown CSULB/Sports
Information
Wiegand
hopes to lead 49ers to Big West Conference
title in final year
By
Detria Nelson
Daily Forty-Niner
Staff Writer
This
new season means a new role of co-captain
for Allison Wiegand of the women's soccer
team.
Wiegand
(Modesto, CA) lead Beyer high school to
three Central California Conference championships.
Wiegand transferred from Fresno State to
play for Long Beach State.
Wiegand,
a senior at The Beach, is the all-around
player for the 49ers, having played three
positions including back line, forward and
midfield. She has started all four years
she has played at The Beach.
She
has the second-most goals in modern day
history (since 1998) only trailing Abie
Curry who has 36 points. Her 54 career games
is tied for ninth all-time.
In
2003, Wiegand led the 49ers with seven goals
and 17 points earning her the position of
the first team All-Big West midfielder.
Wiegand also won the team's Coaches Award.
Wiegand
met all the expectations of new head coach
Mauricio Ingrassia.
"I
was really happy [to see her play],"
Ingrassia said. "She is a very intense
player and a team leader."
In
2002, Wiegand was named first team All-Big
West defender scoring three goals in the
team's 5-0 win over Nevada.
As
the fourth all-time scorer with 15 goals
and 36 points it is no wonder that even
Wiegand's teammates agree that she is a
phenomenal captain.
"She
leads by example," teammate Kristin
Travis said. "She always gives 110
percent, [which] pushes everyone else to
follow."
Which
means that Wiegand has definitely accomplished
her goal.
"I
try to lead by example," Wiegand said.
"And hope they see and follow."
So
far the 49ers are off to a good start after
winning its season opener and tying with
the University of San Francisco. The 49ers
came back strong to win both games in the
Second Annual 49er Classic last weekend.
"I
think we have a good chance to at least
match if not succeed [the team's level of
success last year]," Wiegand said.
"Only two seniors left and we still
have nine starters and a strong base."
According
to Wiegand, Santa Barbara or Cal Poly is
likely to be the 49ers' toughest opponent
this season.
"They
are tough games," Wiegand said. "Very
physical."
Although
Wiegand is a Criminal Justice major, after
graduation she will be open to play on a
women's team possibly overseas.
Wiegand
and the 49ers are gearing up for the Hawaii
Classic Saturday, Sept. 11th.
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