LOS ANGELES – Rutgers women's soccer fell to USC by a score of 2-1 on Sunday afternoon at Rawlinson Stadium.

The Scarlet Knights (3-3-4, 1-3-1) were unable to overcome an early pair of goals from the Trojans (6-3-1, 3-2-0) in the final game of their west coast road trip. 

USC struck early to take control of the match inside of 10 minutes. A good combination play saw the game's opening goal after just 5:45 of play.

While RU was able to push for a chance at an equalizer, the Trojans strengthened their hold with a second goal from distance in the 27th minute to make it 2-0. 

Right before the halftime whistle, GK Olivia Bodmer saved a penalty kick to keep the match within reach. It was her second save on a penalty this season, having saved both PKs that she has faced. 

The Scarlet Knights made inroads in the second half, controlling possession for longer spells. The breakthrough finally came with just under 15 minutes remaining. Mikayla Mandleur held possession in USC territory and found Olivia Russomanno down the right side. After Russomanno beat her defender around the touchline, she found Allie Post, who headed it home to make it a one-goal contest. 

The push for an equalizer continued, and Nata Ramirez nearly found one just minutes later. After winning possession, she fired a shot from distance that clanked off the cross bar and touched down just outside the goal line, missing the equalizer by inches. 

The chance from Ramirez was ultimately as close as RU would get to a goal the rest of the way, with USC holding on for the 2-1 victory. 

Rutgers will return to action on Saturday at 4 p.m. against Penn State at Yurcak Field.  
 

X | Instagram | Facebook