By Diego Arancibia
March 29, 2026
THE RESULT: Long Beach FC delivered an emphatic 5–2 home victory over SoCal United, scoring early and often in its most explosive attacking performance of the spring season in the UPSL SoCal North conference.
- Long Beach improved to 2‑1‑1 (7 points)
- SoCal United fell to 2-0-2 (6 points)
HOW IT HAPPENED: Long Beach struck first in the 8th minute when Justin Faison crossed to Akwafei “AJ” Ajeakwa, who scored on a beautiful diving header to set the tone. SoCal United answered two minutes later to level the match, but LBFC responded with two more goals before halftime to seize control – AJ again in the 33rd minute and Lucas White with his first of the season in the 44th. Second-half goals by Lucas Gonzalez and Mauro Rafael put the result out of reach before a late SoCal United score.
- AJ was the Legends Sports Bar “Legend of the Match.” WATCH his postgame interview here.
THE HIGHLIGHT: Gonzalez’s goal was a stunner. He took a pass in his own half, made two defenders look silly and then chipped the SoCal goalkeeper from 45 yards out. WATCH his golazo here.
THE DIFFERENCE:
- Relentless pressure: LBFC capitalized on sustained attacking momentum and quick transitions.
- Clinical finishing: Five goals on ten shots reflected efficiency in front of goal.
- Depth and discipline: Long Beach managed the second half comfortably despite the high tempo.
QUOTABLE: “I think the score reflects the style of play and what we’re trying to do here,” LBFC Coach Art Caballero said. “Seeing the guys just kind of clicking again and some of the new guys coming in and buying into the style of play is very fun to watch.”
BY THE NUMBERS:
- Possession: LBFC 54%, SoCal United 46%
- Shots: LBFC 10, SoCal United 7
- Corners: LBFC 3, SoCal United 1
- Fouls: LBFC 9, SoCal United 10
- Passing: LBFC 68%, SoCal United 69%
- Yellow cards: LBFC 3, SoCal United 3
UPCOMING MATCHES:
- Saturday, April 4 @ 8 p.m.: at Rose City FC at Arcadia City Hall Stadium (240 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007
- Saturday, April 11 @ 5:30 p.m.: vs Laguna United at St. Anthony High School Athletic Complex (4832 Clark Ave, Long Beach, CA 90808)
TICKETS: Purchase a Spring 2026 Shore Pass for all home games or get individual adult and youth game tickets here.
https://longbeachfootballclub.com