No. 11 USC women’s soccer steamrolled Colorado 4-1 on a historic Thursday night at McAlister Field. With a goal in the 21st minute, the 49th of her USC career, senior forward Penelope Hocking became USC’s all-time leading goal scorer.
After Hocking’s goal in the 6th minute was later ruled a Colorado own goal, she instead broke the record just 15 minutes later in spectacular fashion.
After carrying the ball across the top of the box, Hocking fired a bending left-footed strike that curled right into the top corner of the net, officially cementing her as the most prolific goal-scorer in USC history.
“When I came to USC, I didn’t think I was going to break records,” Hocking said. “I owe a lot of this to my teammates and my coaches. I’m just really grateful for this experience.”
Hocking also assisted on the Trojans’ second goal of the night, which redshirt senior forward Jada Talley slotted home in the 13th minute. Hocking’s brilliance sparked a blinding start from USC, which put the match to bed with three goals in the opening 21 minutes.
“My first thought is not to break records,” Hocking said of her overall performance. “It’s to win, and I’m just glad we got the win today and can keep rolling.”
Head coach Keidane McAlpine used the early rout of the Buffaloes as an opportunity to give many key contributors some invaluable rest this deep into the conference schedule.
Hocking was subbed out less than a minute after scoring and remained on the bench for the remainder of the contest. Midfielders senior Savannah DeMelo and freshman Aaliyah Farmer were taken off 10 minutes later and only returned for short cameos in the second half.
“This league doesn’t give you a day off,” McAlpine said. “Anytime we can create that kind of momentum as well as get some rest for the players that are carrying high minutes, it’s a win for us and our ability to be fresh.”
In the preseason Pac-12 coaches poll, only three teams received first-place votes: No. 3 UCLA, No. 11 USC and No. 14 Stanford. The conference has been a bloodbath early on, however, as the Bruins suffered an early draw against Oregon and the Cardinal fell to Oregon State last Thursday.
With wins in its first four conference matches and unbeaten Washington State’s first loss Thursday, USC is alone atop the Pac-12 and will end the night at least two points clear of everyone behind them.
“We talk a lot about being our best version of ourselves and trying to create our standard,” McAlpine said about the title race. “We know that it’s out there, but we don’t concern ourselves with watching [the standings].”
The Pac-12-leading Trojans will play host to Utah at McAlister Field on Sunday at 2 p.m.