USC vs. Stanford Soccer Recap

In a hard fought match, the No. 20 USC women’s soccer team fell to No. 1 Stanford Friday night, 2-1.

The L.A. Coliseum was filled with 1,372 screaming fans, as the Women of Troy held the Cardinal scoreless for the first 58 minutes of play. Both teams came out with much intensity in the aggressive, 22 foul match. 

USC appeared to have the momentum after the scoreless first half and had a series of shots on the goal, but unfortunately, it was the Cardinal who struck first.

At 58:12, Christen Press, who has the most goals in the country this season, scored on a beautiful shot from outside the 20 in the upper left shelf. The Women of Troy responded with a surge of intensity, resulting in a yellow card for midfielder Carly Butcher.

But that was not enough to tame the Stanford, as the Cardinal scored their second goal of the evening less than two minutes later.

The Women of Troy once again responded with amped intensity, resulting in a yellow card for forward Samantha Johnson. 

Stanford answered this intensity with a slew of fouls. But unfortunately, USC failed to capitalize on two indirect kicks from right outside of Stanford’s 20.

Then, at 83:36, USC defender Mia Bruno got the ball past Stanford’s goalkeeper to give the Women of Troy their first goal of the night. Sadly, it proved to be too little too late, as Stanford was able to hold onto its one goal lead for the remainder of the game.

While Stanford emerged victoriously, both teams put on a magnificent display of skills and heart. USC has another tough match against No. 21 California at McAllister Field Sunday at 1 p.m.