USC Women Get Back at Washington

There was no lack of motivation for the USC women’s soccer team Wednesday when it played Washington in the first round of the NCAA tournament at the Coliseum.

The Trojans (14-6-1) defeated the Huskies, 2-1, in overtime in the first playoff game in USC history. The win not only gave USC a spot in the second round, it avenged an earlier loss to Washington (10-9-1) and extended the Trojans’ winning streak to a school-record eight games.

Senior Courtney Barham scored both goals, including the winner off a perfect pass from Megan Orach in the 111th minute.

“Megan made a great pass,” Barham said. “I knew if I kept the ball low I could score.”

USC dominated the Huskies, especially in the first half. The Trojans outshot the Huskies, 24-10, and had a school-record 18 corner kicks.

Barham’s first goal, off a rebound in the 28th minute, gave USC a 1-0 lead until the 70th minute, when Stacy Merlitti scored for Washington.

A controversial play nearly gave the Huskies a 2-1 lead only minutes later. Trojan goalie Karin Puccinelli made a sprawling save in front of heavy traffic. Washington thought the ball went in.

But officials ruled it never crossed the goal line.

“I never felt at any point we’d lose the match,” USC Coach Jim Millinder said.

Sunday, USC plays at San Diego State. The Aztecs (18-2-1) defeated the Trojans, 2-0, in the season opener.