USC Women's Soccer Prepares for Matches Against No. 8 Ohio State and Penn State

Both matches will be broadcast live on the B1G+, with links for the broadcasts and live stats available on the women's soccer schedule page at USCTrojans.com. In-game updates can also be followed on X (formerly Twitter) at @USC_Wsoccer.

Historically, USC holds a 2-1 record against Ohio State, with their most recent encounter resulting in a 1-0 overtime win for the Trojans during the 2024 Big Ten Tournament. Earlier in the same year, USC also secured a 1-0 victory over Ohio State at BMO Stadium.

Against Penn State, USC's record stands at 2-2-1. The last matchup took place in 2024, where USC triumphed with a dramatic 2-1 win, highlighted by a free-kick goal from Helena Sampaio in the 90th minute that maintained USC's lead in the Big Ten standings.

USC recently extended its unbeaten streak against Oregon to 14 matches with a 1-1 draw at home. Oregon initially went ahead in the first half, but Maya McDermott equalized in the 50th minute with a remarkable strike from over 25 yards, marking her first career goal.

The Trojans are approaching their second season in Rawlinson Stadium in 2026, following a substantial investment in their women's soccer program with the stadium's construction. The $38 million project, announced in 2023, began on April 9, 2024, and completed last summer. The venue, built on the site of the former McAlister Field, has a capacity of 2,500 and officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 17, 2025.

USC faces one of the most challenging schedules in the nation this year, as 12 of their 18 opponents participated in the NCAA Tournament last season, including Stanford and Duke, who both reached the College Cup. Over the course of the season, the Trojans have already faced four teams ranked in the Top 10, with their next test coming against Ohio State.

In the Big Ten preseason coaches poll, USC was predicted to finish seventh for the 2026 season. Three players—Annabel Austen, Mary Cochran, and Alyssa Parsons—were recognized as Preseason Players to Watch by the conference.

Head Coach Jane Alukonis, now in her fifth season, has a career record of 49-19-14 and was named the 2024 Big Ten Coach of the Year after leading USC to a conference championship. Under her leadership, the program has seen notable success, including winning four NCAA Tournament games and achieving the No. 1 seed in the program's history.

Several players have made significant contributions this season, including Eleanor Morrissey, who scored her first collegiate goal against Duke and has recorded four points overall. Freshman Savannah Leifried made an impactful debut with two assists, and Jaiden Rodriguez scored her first collegiate goal against Stanford. Other key players include Lily Biddulph, who has three goals to her name, and goalkeeper Josie Biehl, who has made 29 saves this season, including a career-high seven against Stanford.