The Irvine Valley College women's soccer team lost, 4-0, on Thursday, but it was the team's best effort of the season so far.

The Lasers played the third-ranked team in the nation, Long Beach City, tough on the road. The Vikings, who won four straight state titles (2000-03) and reached the semifinals of the state tournament last year before losing in a shootout in the semifinals, improved their junior college record unbeaten streak to 82 matches.

"It was the best performance we've had since I have been here," second-year coach Simon Davies said. "The team showed good discipline and stuck to the game plan. We also had a couple of good attacks up the field."

Irvine Valley (1-6-0) didn't give up a goal until the 43rd minute, and it was an own goal at that.

The Lasers trailed just, 1-0, at halftime.

Long Beach City (6-0-1) added a second goal in the 74th minute for a 2-0 lead on a breakaway goal by Bronx, N.Y. freshman Shaneka Gordon.

Gordon scored again in the 84th minute. Sophomore Brittany Jensen then capped the scoring for Long Beach City in the 90th minute on a breakaway goal off a pass from Rosa Gudiel.

Irvine Valley freshman goalie Rachel Waters stopped all of Long Beach City's other shots. And she saw plenty of action in goal. The Vikings out-shot the Lasers, 42-0.

Waters finished with 18 saves.

"We stayed close because of her," Davies said. "She had a couple of saves from close range that were outstanding."

"We got a little tired in the final 10 minutes and conceded a couple of goals," Davies added. "We went with just 11 players, but I was real proud of our team. It was quite encouraging. I know everyone is looking forward to conference now."

Irvine Valley doesn't play again until it opens Orange Empire Conference play next Tuesday at home against Fullerton at 3 p.m.

The Lasers picked up their first win of the season and first in two years earlier this week, on Tuesday, when Cuyamaca had to forfeit.