WSU women's soccer loses home conference opener to USC

The Washington State women's soccer team suffered its first loss in Pac-12 play Thursday night against USC. The Trojans came out on top of the Cougs 1-0 after Morgan Andrews broke the scoreless tie with a goal in 78th minute.

Andrews put the ball in the back of the net after the Cougs (8-2) couldn't control the ball in front of the net. It was all the Trojans (7-3-1) would need as WSU failed to muster much of an offensive attack all night. It was the Cougs first home loss of the season.

"First, credit to USC. They're a great team," WSU Head Coach Todd Shulenberger said. "The unfortunate part is, we had a great game plan going in to tonight and we held our own. We had some chances to tie it up or even get the first goal, but that's the way the game goes sometimes. I'm happy with our group. We'll bounce back and be ready to go on Sunday."

USC out shot WSU 20-7 and had 11 corner kicks to the Cougs 1. Ella Dederick, the Cougars goalie, had five saves in the loss.

The game was featured the return of USC Head Coach Keidane McAlpine to Pullman. McAlpine occupied the same position for the Cougars from 2012-2013 where he led the Cougars to the NCAA tournament in both seasons. McAlpine also took home Pac-12 Coach of the Year in 2013.

The loss comes off a week where WSU entered the top 25 of the NSCAA rankings. They were ranked 21st after beating Arizona St in their first Pac-12 game.

WSU plays UCLA at home Sunday at 11:05 am. The morning match will be broadcasted on the Pac-12 Networks.

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Soccer:

Cougars Fall to Trojans, 1-0 - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
No. 20 WSU dropped just its second contest of the season and first Pac-12 match.

Football:

WSU practice notes: Devonte McClain leads defense to Thursday Night Football win | The Spokesman-Review
Devonte McClain came to Washington State to protect quarterbacks. He spent Thursday's practice assaulting them.

Pac-12 slows down with 4 games this weekend | The Olympian
The Pac-12 has a light slate this week with four games and four teams getting a bye.

WSU kicker Erik Powell has strengthened his hold on the job through work, psychology | The Seattle Times
Erik Powell won the job in fall camp and has since been a beacon of consistency for WSU. He’s perfect on extra points and 5 of 6 on field goals, including a pair of clutch 46- and 47-yard conversions against Rutgers, but the biggest difference stems from his mind-set.

The Raid is on again: Air vs. Bear - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
Cal welcomes Washington State a year after the Cougs lost on a last minute missed field goal.

Washington State-Cal preview: Can the Cougars outscore the Bear Raid? - Pacific Takes
After last years game that featured over 1,400 yards of offense and over 100 points, what will Cal and Washington State dial up this time?

Cal vs. Washington State: Previewing the Cougars Defense - California Golden Blogs
How stingy will the Washington State Cougars defense be under new DC Alex Grinch?

We're talking with CougCenter about the Cal-WSU game! - California Golden Blogs
What do you want to know about the upcoming Cal football game with Washington State? Well, we asked and Coug Center answered!

WSU Cougars morning links: Defense needs to stop Cal’s running game | The Seattle Times
Stopping the run will be integral to WSU's success against Cal.

Tennis:

Cougars Set to Host WSU Invitational - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
WSU prepares for final home tournament of the fall season, Oct. 2-4.

Athletics:

Director of Athletics Bill Moos Podcast - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
During a wide-ranging podcast, conducted Thursday morning, Director of Athletics Bill Moos discusses men's golf victory earlier this week at Palouse Ridge Golf Club, and a busy weekend of Cougar Athletics with football, volleyball, soccer, cross-country, rowing and tennis in action.