The USC women’s soccer team is gearing up for an exciting start to the 2024 season with a pair of games scheduled this week. The team, ranked No. 23, will face off against New Mexico State on Thursday and then take on California Baptist on Sunday. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+ and follow in-game updates on social media platforms such as Instagram, Tik Tok, Twitter, and Facebook.
One of the most significant changes for the USC women’s soccer team this season is their move to the Big Ten Conference. This marks the first season that USC will compete in the Big Ten, alongside schools like UCLA, Washington, and Oregon. The Trojans will kick off their conference play against Washington on September 12, marking a historic moment for the program.
In addition to their conference move, USC is also investing in a new home for their women’s soccer program. Rawlinson Stadium is currently under construction on campus and is set to replace the previous site of play at Soni McAlister Field. The $38 million project is expected to be completed early in 2025, providing a state-of-the-art facility for the team.
While construction on Rawlinson Stadium is ongoing, the Trojans will play the majority of their home games at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. However, two key matchups against Ohio State and UCLA will be held at the iconic LA Memorial Coliseum. Despite the change in venues, the Trojans are ready to showcase their talent on the field.
Last season, the Trojans finished with an impressive 11-5-3 overall record and made their 10th consecutive appearance in the NCAA postseason. Although they fell to BYU in the second round, the team showed resilience and determination throughout the season. With a mix of experienced players and talented newcomers, USC is poised for another successful season.
One player to watch this season is Maribel Flores, who was named the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 2023. Flores made a significant impact in her debut season, scoring six goals and earning a spot on the All-Pac-12 third team. She will also represent Mexico at the FIFA U20 World Cup, showcasing her skills on the international stage.
In addition to Flores, USC had three alums competing at the Paris Olympics this summer. Simi Awujo, Nicole Payne, and Croix Bethune represented their respective countries with pride, with Bethune even winning a gold medal with Team USA. Awujo has since announced her professional debut with Manchester United, adding to the list of successful USC alumni in the professional soccer world.
As the Trojans prepare to take on a challenging schedule this season, facing off against top-ranked opponents like Stanford, Penn State, and UCLA, fans can expect an exciting and competitive season ahead. With a mix of talent, experience, and determination, the USC women’s soccer team is ready to make their mark in the Big Ten Conference and beyond.