USC women's soccer returns from last weekend's trip up to the Pacific Northwest with one more win and one more loss to its name.
Competition started on Thursday night against the then-No. 20 Washington State Cougars, former home of head coach Keidane McAlpine and several of his staff. Much like last year's match-up, a late goal lifted the Trojans to a winning score of 1-0. In the 78th minute, junior midfielder Morgan Andrews capitalized on a failed ball collection by the Wazzu keeper to nail one into the back of the net from five yards out. Two big saves from redshirt junior goalkeeper Sammy Jo Prudhomme in the 86th and 90th minutes saved the shutout and landed the Trojans a W.
The Trojans then journeyed into Seattle to play the University of Washington on Sunday afternoon. The first half started strong for USC, which dominated in possession and took twice as many shots as its opponent. Though the momentum shifted in favor of the Huskies in the second half, it was a penalty kick that gave UW the lone goal it needed to top the Trojans. A foul in the 58th minute on junior defender Kayla Mills in the box set up the opportunity for the Huskies. Prudhomme guessed the shot correctly, but the ball had enough pace to slip just wide of her dive. The keeper made five saves in the game, the most for her in Pac-12 play this season.
The team now stands at 7-4-1 overall and 2-1-0 in conference play. The Trojans will host Arizona State at 3 p.m. PT this Friday at McAlister Field.
