Soccer

USC Women’s Soccer Begins 2026 Season with Top‑Ranked Duke

Home Opener at Rawlinson Stadium Highlights a Talented Roster and Ambitious Schedule

The USC women's soccer team opens its 2026 season at home, welcoming No. 3 Duke to Rawlinson Stadium in Los Angeles. The match marks the fourth meeting between the Trojans and the Blue Devils, a series that stands at 2‑2 after a 3‑2 victory for USC in 2023.

Coach Jane Alukonis, who starred for Duke from 2006 to 2009, brings 21 career points and a championship pedigree to the program. In 2024 she led USC to a Big Ten title and was named Big Ten Coach of the Year, underscoring her impact in just her second season at the helm.

A Historic Rivalry Rekindled

The 2026 roster features a recruiting class ranked No. 1 nationally by Prep Soccer, highlighted by forward Jordan Hill (No. 3) and midfielder Rhiannon Mahon (No. 5). Their arrival adds depth to a squad that already boasts a strong blend of experience and youthful talent.

The schedule is stacked with twelve opponents that reached the 2025 NCAA Tournament, including Stanford and Duke, promising a rigorous test that could shape the team's national standing.

Rawlinson Stadium, opened in 2025, provides a modern venue for 2,500 fans, creating an intimate yet electric atmosphere as the Trojans aim to extend their winning momentum.

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