USC Women’s Soccer Opens Big Ten Play With Shutout at Washington

SEATTLE, Wash. – The USC women’s soccer team played its first-ever Big Ten game against a familiar foe on Thursday night, taking down Washington 1-0 to open up play in the new conference for both teams.
 
The Trojans, who have yet to play a home game, move to 5-1-1 overall with the win and open Big Ten play 1-0. Washington falls to 3-2-2 overall and 0-1 in Big Ten action.
 
Helena Sampaio gave USC the lead in the 21^st minute, grabbing a failed clearance and depositing it in the back of the net for her first goal of the year. USC would take that 1-0 lead into the break and the defense made it stand up the rest of the way.
 
Laurence Gladu made five saves in goal to pick up her third shutout of the season and fifth victory overall. USC held 56% of the possession on the evening.
 
SCORING
21′ – USC: Helena Sampaio (unassisted) – Sampaio had her pass stolen in the box, but grabbed a failed clearance and fired it inside the left post from near the top of the box.
 
UP NEXT
The Trojans continue Big Ten play on the road with a pair of games next week, heading to Purdue on Thursday (Sept. 19) and Indiana on Sunday (Sept. 22). Thursday’s game at Purdue will be on the Big Ten Network and Sunday’s game at Indiana will be broadcast on BTN+.

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