In the first-ever meeting on the pitch between USC and Michigan State, the Trojans were overwhelmed from start to finish, suffering a 4-0 defeat Sunday at DeMartin Soccer Stadium. It marked one of the most lopsided losses in USC’s young Big Ten history, and a drastic contrast from the Trojans’ win against the University of Michigan on Thursday night.
Coming off a Big Ten championship season, USC entered the match unranked but hopeful. Instead, the Trojans were met with a relentless Spartan team that controlled possession, outpaced them across the field, and capitalized on nearly every opportunity in the final half.
Michigan State jumped out to an early lead, scoring just two minutes into the match when junior defender Kennedy Bell slotted in the opening goal. That immediate strike set the tone for a first half dominated by the Spartans.
USC graduate goalkeeper Bella Grust, who has started every game this season, made several key saves in the first half—including two stops on senior defender Maggie Illig and Bell, yet the Trojans’ defense was frequently under pressure and offered limited support. Michigan State’s speed and attacking presence overwhelmed USC, while the Trojans failed to generate offensive momentum.
USC’s best first-half opportunity came from Michigan State junior midfielder Kayla Briggs, who appeared to draw contact in the box late in the half. However, no penalty was awarded. Adding to the first-half frustrations were two injury scares: freshman midfielders Jaiden Rodriguez and Alexandra Larsson both went down, but they returned before halftime. The Trojans trailed 1-0 at the half, having failed to gain a goal despite several forward attempts.
The second half began much like the first, with Michigan State maintaining pressure and keeping USC pinned with its defense. Within 15 minutes of play, Briggs doubled the Spartan lead with a clean finish from the top of the box. The goal was briefly in question for offside but ultimately stood, further widening the score.
USC continued to struggle in the final third, with each of its shot attempts denied by Michigan State freshman goalkeeper Noelle Henning. As the half progressed, Michigan State extended its lead to 3-0 after another goal by Bell, who was later subbed out following a collision with Grust.
Late in the match, Michigan State was awarded a penalty kick after a foul in the box involving USC sophomore defender Tanna Schornstein. Senior defender Remini Tillotson took the shot, pushing the score to 4-0. USC, now trailing by four goals, began to sub out its key players—including junior forward Maribel Flores and sophomore forward Jaiden Anderson —giving minutes to reserves such as sophomore midfielder Eleanor Morrissey and freshman forward Murphy Walsh.
Despite continued effort from the Trojans, USC couldn’t break through the Spartan defense. Michigan State’s backline remained compact, and the Trojans closed the game with 18 fouls and no goals to show for their efforts.
The loss brings USC back to a reset point as the team continues its transition into Big Ten play. With several talented players on the roster and experience in high-level competition, the Trojans will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next home match against Maryland this Thursday at Rawlinson Stadium at 7 p.m.