USC Women’s Soccer Claims Big Ten Title with Unbeaten Season
In a thrilling culmination of their Big Ten regular season, the No. 6 USC women’s soccer team achieved a historic milestone by clinching the conference title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over their arch-rivals, No. 8 UCLA. The match took place on Sunday afternoon at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, where a spirited crowd of 6,281 fans witnessed the Trojans make history.
A Historic Victory
The triumph marked the first Big Ten championship for any USC sport, a significant achievement that underscores the growth and competitiveness of the women’s soccer program. With this victory, the Trojans concluded their regular season with an impressive record of 14 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws, boasting a perfect 10-0-1 in conference play. Meanwhile, UCLA’s record fell to 13-3-3, with an 8-1-2 mark in the Big Ten.
The Game-Changing Goal
The decisive moment of the match came in the 36th minute when senior forward Maile Hayes found the back of the net. Hayes’ goal was the result of a beautifully orchestrated play involving teammates Hannah Griffin and Helena Sampaio. Griffin initiated the sequence with a precise pass to Sampaio, who skillfully maneuvered near the top of the penalty area before setting up Hayes. With a deft touch, Hayes fired a shot through the legs of the UCLA goalkeeper, marking her team-leading eighth goal of the season and Sampaio’s sixth assist.
Defensive Dominance
While Hayes’ goal was pivotal, the Trojan defense played an equally crucial role in securing the victory. Led by goalkeeper Laurence Gladu, the USC defense stifled UCLA’s offensive efforts, limiting them to just five shots throughout the match. Gladu, who recorded her ninth shutout of the season, made two critical saves in the second half, including a spectacular one-handed stop against a powerful shot from UCLA’s Maya Evens in the 67th minute. This defensive resilience was instrumental in maintaining the narrow lead and ultimately securing the championship.
Unbeaten Streak and Historical Context
The victory over UCLA capped an impressive 11-match unbeaten streak for the Trojans, who have now won seven consecutive games heading into the conference tournament. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first outright conference title in the history of USC women’s soccer. The only previous title came in 1998 when the Trojans shared the Pac-10 Championship with Cal and UCLA.
Looking Ahead: Big Ten Tournament
With the regular season concluded, the Trojans are now focused on the upcoming Big Ten Tournament, set to take place in Minnesota. As the No. 1 seed, USC will face the winner of the No. 8 vs. No. 9 matchup on Sunday, November 3, at 10 am PT/12 pm CT. The tournament’s opening round will be hosted on the University of Minnesota campus, with the final two rounds scheduled to occur at CITYPARK Field in St. Louis.
The Trojans’ remarkable season has not only showcased their talent and determination but has also set the stage for what promises to be an exciting postseason. With a blend of offensive prowess and defensive strength, USC women’s soccer is poised to make a significant impact in the Big Ten Tournament and beyond.