After back-to-back losses, the USC Trojans were ready to bounce back and defeat the Ducks on Senior Day.
The air was crisp on this Southern California Friday night. The Trojans carried heavy momentum, backed by a roaring crowd. It was evident that fans were ecstatic to see USC play in honor of the seniors -- who were celebrated prior to the game.
“It’s special for the team,” USC head coach Jane Alukonis said. “I know the younger players took very good care of them.”
The game started aggressively, with USC committing its first foul within the first three minutes.
Oregon’s fifth-year defender Taylor Dever took a free kick with the ball soaring into the air, but freshman goalkeeper Josie Biehl stepped up and prevented the goal. After Biehl’s big stop, junior forward Lily Biddulph had an open lane and was one-on-one with Oregon’s Kailey Kimball, but the fifth-year goalkeeper made an incredible stop, giving the Ducks possession once again.
With more aggression as the game continued, freshman forward Alyssa Parsons received a yellow card after tripping one of Oregon’s defenders. This gave the Ducks some confidence, with Oregon’s senior forward Savannah Holley making it past two USC defenders, but Biehl stopped another potential goal.
Shortly after, junior midfielder Carly Cormack made a goal for the Ducks. USC challenged this call, but it was unsuccessful. By the 25th minute, the Ducks led 1-0.
The match was quiet towards the end of the first half, but this changed five minutes into the second half. USC graduate forward Maya McDermott tied the game after shooting a long shot, too high for Kimball to catch.
“Maya had a great shot, and she is one of the players that, after practices, is always practicing her shots and doing her best,” Alukonis said.
The rest of the second half was an aggressive exchange of possessions. Both teams were eager to score, and USC graduate midfielder Sophia Cavaliere had to exit the game due to an injury during this battle.
The Trojans had the opportunity to score off of three back-to-back corner kicks but could not take advantage of any of the opportunities.
In the final 10 minutes of the game, the USC crowd was loud and electric, avid for a Trojan win. Ultimately, both teams battled equally hard, ending in a tie game.
“They’re an incredible program,” Alukonis said as she described USC’s next opponent -- Ohio State.
The Trojans head coach said that in order for USC to get a win, she needs to continue to bring her squad to full speed.
“We’re getting a few that are returning a little more regularly to the lineup,” Alukonis said.
The Trojans will face Ohio State on their turf in Columbus on Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. PT.