Another Football Upset

Make that a fútbol upset.

#14 USC took down #2 Portland, 2-1, in women's soccer on Sunday. One service had the Pilots ranked as high as #1 coming into the match, though they also lost, 2-1, at UCLA on Friday.

This was the Trojans' biggest victory since knocking off third-seeded Santa Clara in the opening round of the NCAA tournament last season, but Coach Ali Khosroshahin was quick to put the win in perspective.

"It's early in the year still. [Portland] had some injuries on their side, and they're still trying to find themselves. It's a good win, but I don't want to put it up on a pedestal yet because we still have work to do. We shouldn't be really satisfied. There are some things that we did poorly today that we need to address in this next week of training."

Specifically, Khosroshahin said USC needed to get "better with our possession." From the stands, it was easy to agree with his assessment. The Women of Troy weren't checking to the ball on set plays in the second half, struggled to apply consistent pressure on Portland's defense, and gave up the ball on some sloppy passes.

On the bright side, Kristin Olsen had another solid performance in the net, making some clutch saves and falling just short of a sixth consecutive shutout. Alyssa Davila came off the bench for her fourth goal of the season, and Amy Rodriguez notched the seventh game-winner of her USC career.

The Women of Troy have nearly two weeks until their next game. Though there are no specific injuries on the team, Khosroshahin is glad to give his players an opportunity to overcome fatigue. "Our season is so condensed that it's nice to have a little bit of a break to give their legs a chance to recover."

The next match will be at home against Oregon on Oct. 12. Looking forward to league play, Khosroshahin repeated a familiar refrain in USC athletics. "We just want to take it one game at a time and hope to improve each day."

A crowd of 665 enjoyed what may be the best-kept secret of USC spectator sports. Athletes from other USC teams tend to come out (swimmers and football players were in attendance today) and enjoy the sunshine. The furthest seats at McAlister Field are a short throw-in from the touch line. The crowd is usually spirited, and players, referees and other fans are known to engage in good-natured heckling.

Unlike larger venues, rowdy spectators don't get drowned out. After one Portland booster futilely screamed at the referee for a card, a Trojan supporter turned around and yelled for everyone to hear, "It's not Mother's Day!"

Photo courtesy USC Athletics/Jeff Sipsey