No. 18 USC Women’s Soccer Powers Past Washington, 2-1

LOS ANGELES – The No. 18 USC women’s soccer team picked up a hard-fought victory at home, taking down Washington 2-1 on Thursday afternoon.
 
USC moves to 10-2-3 overall and 6-1-2 in Pac-12 play, while Washington falls to 9-5-3, 3-5-1. The win marks the eighth consecutive full season that USC has recorded double-digit victories (excluding the shortened 2020 season).
 
It was a back and forth contest as USC jumped in front on a 12th minute goal from Helena Sampaio, but the Huskies equalized just before the half. Sampaio was again in on the winner as she set up Croix Bethune for a beautiful goal in the 48th minute.
 
The Trojan defense held firm for the final 32 minutes of play, battling through a second half that saw 12 combined fouls and six yellow cards between the teams. Anna Smith made six saves in the game, with one of her biggest coming in the 66th minute when she made a kick save on an open shot from a Washington attacker.
 
USC had a 22-12 shots advantage and 9-3 advantage in corner kicks.
 
GOALS
12′ – USC: Helena Sampaio (assisted by Simi Awujo, Croix Bethune) – Bethune sent a corner in from the right side and Awujo headed it across the box to Sampaio who poked it home.
 
43′ – WASH: Kelsey Branson (unassisted)…