No. 21 USC Women's Soccer Rallies For 2-1 Win At ASU Behind Goals From Simone Jackson, Savannah DeMelo
TEMPE, Ariz. – The No. 21 USC women's soccer team secured its seventh victory in a row on Thursday night, coming back to beat Arizona State 2-1 on the road.
Simone Jackson scored the equalizer and Savannah DeMelo posted the game-winner as the Trojans erased a 1-0 deficit to move to 7-2 overall and 2-0 in Pac-12 play. ASU, which has been in the Top 25 for much of the season and are currently receiving votes, falls to 8-2-1 overall and 0-1-1 in conference action.
The Sun Devils jumped on top with a 30th minute goal courtesy of All-Pac-12 striker Nicole Douglas. The Trojans, though, would equalize just before the break, when Hannah White found Jackson in the box for the tying goal in the 44th minute.
The teams stayed even until the 61st minute, when Simi Awujo found Croix Bethune in the area and Bethune fired a shot that was blocked by a diving ASU keeper. DeMelo was right on top of the rebound, however, firing home the game-winning goal.
After giving up seven shots in the first half, the USC defense settled in in the second half, allowing the home team to make just three attempts on goal as the Trojans held on for the win.
GOALS
30' – ASU: Nicole Douglas (assisted by Cori Sullivan, Alexia Delgado) – Douglas received a pass deep in the penalty area, making a turn and firing home her 12th goal of the year.
44' – USC: Simone Jackson (assisted by Hannah White) – White carried the ball all the way into the 18 yard box and then slid a pass to a cutting Jackson, who took a touch and beat the keeper to the near post with the shot.
61' – USC: Savannah DeMelo (assisted by Croix Bethune, Simi Awujo) – Awujo sent a pass ahead to Bethune near the top of the penalty area, and Bethune fired a shot on goal that was saved by a diving ASU keeper. DeMelo was right on top of the rebound, firing home the go-ahead goal with one touch.
UP NEXT
The Trojans continue Pac-12 play on the road, heading to Arizona for a 1 p.m. match on Sunday. That game can be seen live on the Pac-12 Network.
Hear from Head Coach @Kmcdane after a big conference victory for his side! #FightOn pic.twitter.com/2AxA5zDvS1
— USC Women's Soccer (@USC_WSoccer) October 1, 2021