The USC women's soccer team is preparing for a nonconference showdown with No. 9 BYU on Saturday night, a match that follows a 1‑1 draw at Pepperdine and a 3‑1 defeat to third‑ranked Duke.
The Trojans hold a 4‑4‑3 all‑time edge over the Cougars, yet BYU has taken the last two meetings in Utah, including a 1‑0 win in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, making home‑field advantage a rare commodity.
A New Home for Trojan Soccer
Adding to the season’s narrative, USC is set to move into Rawlinson Stadium, a $38 million facility with a capacity of about 2,500 fans, offering a fresh venue for the upcoming campaign.
The schedule ahead is stacked with 12 of 18 opponents from last year’s NCAA Tournament, underscoring the challenge facing head coach Jane Alukonis, who finished the previous season with a 48‑16‑13 record and earned Big Ten Coach of the Year honors in 2024.
Alukonis will be supported by a recruiting class that boasts 13 nationally ranked newcomers, including goalkeeper Josie Biehl, the top‑ranked prospect, and forward Jordan Hill, the third‑overall recruit in the country.
The recent draw with Pepperdine saw Lily Biddulph open the scoring in the first half, while Eleanor Morrissey accounted for USC’s sole goal in the loss to Duke in the 63rd minute, highlighting the team’s ability to find net in key moments.