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TheStriker.com •

What did she say? Analyzing Angel City's season through Freya Coombe's go-to phrases

22,000 at the Banc on opening night, and three more times thereafter. In playoff contention at the start of all 22 of its regular season contests. Women’s professional soccer in Los Angeles for the first time in 13 years.

So much about 2022 should and will be cemented as a success for Angel City FC. But 21 matches after the euphoria of Night 1 against North Carolina, they found themselves on the wrong side of the playoff line.
USC Athletics •

Claire Haas Does It All!

LOS ANGELES –grew up in Kildeer, Ill., playing point guard on the basketball team and the incredibly demanding central midfield spot on the soccer field. As a young athlete, she idolized Mia Hamm and wanted to play the sport "for the rest of her life.""They also put me at goalie," Haas said. "Because I was the only kid that wasn't afraid to get hit with the ball really hard. I just very much put my body on the line, probably a little too much."Haas was an Illinois All-State selection in three co

Lakers Supporting Cast Eager To Assist

As Reaves was gearing up to fight for a roster spot, Patrick Beverley was ready to help a young Minnesota Timberwolves team to the playoffs. It’s a feat the veteran guard has accomplished in each of his nine healthy seasons in the league, and he’s looking to bring that winning effort to this Lakers team.

His message since arriving earlier this month has been consistent: do whatever it takes on either end of the floor to do just that. Beverley even added, “It might be me getting kicked out of a
Annenberg Media •

Facial hair and fullbacks: Why Keidane McAlpine’s shaving tradition, and his team, have a new look for this postseason run

Dec. 4, 2016. Avaya Stadium. San Jose, Calif. USC defeats West Virginia 3-1 to claim its second NCAA National Championship.

That Trojan team was led by head coach Keidane McAlpine, in his third season with the program, and his thin yet noticeable gray beard.

The playoff beard — it’s the intersection of competition and superstition. McAlpine says he’s done it every year, delaying that elusive shave until his team is ultimately eliminated.

Senior midfielder Savannah DeMelo describes the Pac-12
Annenberg Media •

Let Boogie cook – and wear his Kobes

Apr. 8, 2019. Tre Jones announces he’s returning to Duke for his sophomore season, stepping back into the starting point guard role that then-Blue Devil commit Boogie Ellis was once destined to fill.

Less than a month later, Ellis decommitted from Duke, opting instead to play point guard for Penny Hardaway at Memphis. He earned AAC Sixth Man of the Year honors in his second season and led the Tigers to an NIT title.

But Ellis wanted to start. He knew he could start.

Ellis has never been shy a
Annenberg Media •

The ‘why’ behind Jane Alukonis

Nov. 5, 2021. The Pac-12 soccer world descends on Westwood for the Crosstown Showdown between No. 8 USC and No. 3 UCLA that will decide the conference title.

The Bruins take the night and the title — for the 13th time. USC head coach Keidane McAlpine rallies his team in the southwest corner as UCLA head coach Amanda Cromwell lifts yet another Pac-12 Championship trophy in front of the sellout crowd.

In the middle of the celebration is UCLA assistant coach Jane Alukonis, and while that moment w
Richmond Kickers •

Stuart Ritchie: Back On His Feet

A thousand miles and a thousand days later, it’s just the beginning for Stuart Ritchie

It had been 1,615 days since Stuart Ritchie left the United States at just 15 years old.

26 minutes had passed and the Kickers trailed South Georgia Tormenta FC by a goal at City Stadium.

Jonathan Bolanos collected a long ball from Leonardo Baima, held off a defender, and played in an onrushing Ritchie who met it with his right foot at the penalty spot.

Ritchie popped it over the diving Tormenta keeper at

Game Recaps

TheStriker.com •

Bouanga makes unexpected appearance to nudge LAFC past FC Dallas

LOS ANGELES – On a night when LAFC nearly quadrupled up FC Dallas on xG, 2.15-0.58, it took just 0.03 of that off Denis Bouanga's right foot to push the hosts over the finish line.

The underlying numbers suggest dominance. The smattering of VAR decisions, a missed penalty, one goal from an impossible angle, and the heart rates of the 3252 reflected a messier affair — but thanks to Dénis Bouanga's surprise cameo, LAFC overcame FC Dallas 2-1 to continue its strong early-season start.
Annenberg Media •

Jaquez shines as Bruins hold off Trojans

The Crosstown Showdown started fast, as each team made their first four shots from the field. Just over three minutes had passed, and USC led 9-8. Then came an 8-0 UCLA run, forcing a USC timeout with 12 minutes to play in the first half.

The Trojans never led again.

No. 16 USC fell 75-68 to No. 17 UCLA at Pauley Pavilion Saturday night – the Trojans’ first loss to the Bruins since 2019.

Junior forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. only scored five points on 2-for-11 in the first meeting – a 67-64 win for
247Sports •

No. 14 USC women's soccer shuts out No. 1 UCLA for first win in seven years over the Bruins

Seven years. That’s how long it had been since USC had won the Crosstown Showdown. Head coach Jane Alukonis was on the other side for four of those, and after the 2022 edition, she remains perfect.

No. 14 USC played spoiler to No. 1 UCLA’s Pac-12 title three-peat hopes Friday, topping the Bruins 2-0 at McAlister Field. It’s the Trojans’ first win over the No. 1 team in the nation since a 2019 victory against Florida State, and the results improves them to 4-0 on the season against ranked opposi
Richmond Kickers •

Match Recap: Kickers Move Within One Point Of First Place With Second-Straight Road Win

SEVERANCE, Colo. – The Richmond Kickers (9-6-4, 31 pts) earned a hard-fought 1-0 win on the road against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (5-7-7, 22 pts) Tuesday night in Severance, Colo. The win moves the Kickers within just one point of the top of the USL League One table.

Akira Fitzgerald – who picked up his fifth clean sheet of the season – was called on early amidst the rain, and responded with a brilliant save in the 7th minute. The league leader in saves dove to his left, fully extending t
Annenberg Media •

Trojans silence Bruins in top-20 rivalry showdown

For UCLA redshirt senior quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, it started with a promise of 60 points, sideline taunts and post-play shoulder checks. Then came the turnovers — four of them — the last of which ensured the Victory Bell will be receiving a new, cardinal coat of paint.

No. 7 USC came from behind to top No. 16 UCLA 48-45 Saturday night at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. Trailing by as many as 14 points, the Trojans found the end zone on four of their final five drives to take the
Annenberg Media •

Revenge not served for Trojans in Pac-12 Championship Game

On week one of the college football season, the task could not be more clear: win them all, and you’re in.

A one-point loss at Utah on Oct. 15 thrust USC’s fate into the hands of the committee, and just as destiny had finally been delivered back to Southern California, the boogeyman from Salt Lake City returned to send the Trojans’ playoff fate right back to a meeting room in Grapevine, Texas.

No. 4 USC fell 47-24 to No. 11 Utah in the Pac-12 Championship Game at Allegiant Stadium Friday night
Annenberg Media •

Trojans tame the Huskies in a back-and-forth Pac-12 Tournament thriller

Survive and advance – it’s the name of the game in March basketball and the theme for the majority of the USC basketball season. And on Thursday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the Trojans did exactly that.

No. 3 seed USC escaped with a 65-61 victory over No. 6 seed Washington in Thursday night’s Pac-12 Tournament quarterfinals. The win improves the Trojans to 3-0 in quarterfinal action as a top-four seed under head coach Andy Enfield.

“I know it’s late, but we didn’t want anybody to lea

News

Annenberg Media •

USC five-star center Vince Iwuchukwu suffered cardiac arrest in July

USC men’s basketball freshman center Vince Iwuchukwu suffered from a cardiac arrest and collapsed during an informal team practice on July 1, he said to CBS Sports Thursday.

Iwuchukwu went to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and was hospitalized for multiple days following the incident.

“This past summer,” Iwuckukwu said in a statement to CBS Sports, “I had a sudden cardiac arrest during a workout. Since the event, I have received optimal care from the university and my personal expert medical team
Annenberg Media •

Keidane McAlpine accepts Georgia head coaching position

USC women’s soccer head coach Keidane McAlpine announced Tuesday that he has accepted the head coaching position at the University of Georgia.

“As a young person born in Alabama, I dreamed of being a head coach in the SEC,” McAlpine said in a statement released by UGA.

McAlpine guided the Trojans to the NCAA Tournament in each of his eight seasons at USC and led the program to its second NCAA National Championship in 2016.

“I had a wonderful experience at USC,” McAlpine said. “I’d like to tha

Coach Ham Discusses Westbrook and Beverley Backcourt

Also in attendance was Russell Westbrook. The pair’s history speaks for itself – neither shying away from a provocation from the other – but Ham and Beverley expressed, in specifics, an optimism for their union.

“I wouldn’t want to be in the backcourt and having to deal with these two guys,” Ham said, “So it’s going to be a lovely experience.”

“I was asked this question two, three years ago,” Beverley said, “About someone I’ve always wanted to play with. And [Westbrook] was the first name.”

“
Annenberg Media •

Isaiah Mobley selected in second round by Cleveland Cavaliers

Mobleys. This one’s for you.

Isaiah Mobley was selected No. 49 overall in the second round of Thursday’s 2022 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’ll rejoin his brother Evan, who was taken No. 3 overall by the Cavaliers out of USC in last year’s draft.

Isaiah is the sixth USC player to have his name called in the last five drafts, and at least one Trojan has been selected in each of the last five years.

Mobley averaged 14.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game for USC this season, good for se
Annenberg Media •

DeMelo, Talley selected in NWSL Draft

USC women’s soccer’s Savannah DeMelo and Jada Talley were selected in the 2022 NWSL Draft on Saturday. It is the fifth time in the last six years that multiple Trojans have had their names called in the draft.

DeMelo was taken with the No. 4 overall pick by Racing Louisville FC, the highest a USC player has been selected since Morgan Andrews went No. 3 overall in 2017.

In her illustrious career at USC, DeMelo earned four All-Pac-12 nods, including two first teams, and one All-America selection
Annenberg Media •

Trojans women’s volleyball discontinues dancing drought

Prior to 2020, USC women’s volleyball had failed to make the NCAA Tournament just three times — never consecutively — since the NCAA began sponsoring the sport in 1981.

Senior opposite hitter Emilia Weske was a freshman on the last Trojan squad to make the field of 64 in 2019, and after enduring the first multi-season tournament drought in school history, she’s the only one left as USC makes its return.

That rejuvenation has been buoyed by the nation’s No. 1 and No. 2 ranked freshman and trans
Annenberg Media •

Jane Alukonis named new USC women’s soccer head coach

Former UCLA assistant coach Jane Alukonis was announced Thursday as the new USC women’s soccer head coach in a statement from Athletic Director Mike Bohn. Alukonis will take over for Keidane McAlpine, who accepted the head coaching position at Georgia back in November.

“We are excited to welcome Jane Alukonis to the Trojan Family,” Bohn said. “As a talented athlete and coach, Jane brings a winning pedigree and the highest level of competitiveness to our program.”

“I am deeply grateful to USC A

Columns

Annenberg Media •

Stoppage Time: It’s time for the Pac-12 to add a postseason tournament

At 5:38 p.m., San Diego State and Utah State – knotted at a goal apiece – began a decisive penalty shootout in a Mountain West Tournament quarterfinal contest.

25 minutes and 44 penalty kicks later, junior goalkeeper Alexa Madueno came up with the match and shootout-winning save for the Aztecs at 6:03 p.m.

Yup… 44 penalty kicks – 37 of which found the back of the net.

That Mountain West showdown was just one of 10 different games across the country on Sunday decided on penalty kicks, and anot
Annenberg Media •

Winner Stays: How ‘in’ should you be on USC men’s basketball this year?

There are few types of sports content as engaging as a good debate, and that’s exactly what “Winner Stays” is all about.

Here’s how it works: Each week, two of Annenberg Media’s many excellent sports journalists will go head-to-head in debate over a certain topic. When we tweet the article from the @ANNMediaSports account, we’ll let you — the readers — decide who argued their point better via a simple Twitter poll. You’ll have 24 hours to cast your ballots. That week’s winner will stay on and d
Annenberg Media •

Winner Stays: Suns or the field?

There are few types of sports content as engaging as a good debate, and that’s exactly what “Winner Stays” is all about. Here’s how it works: Each week, two of Annenberg Media’s many excellent sports journalists will go head-to-head in debate over a certain topic. When we tweet the article from the @ANNMediaSports account, we’ll let you — the readers — decide who argued their point better via a simple Twitter poll. You’ll have 24 hours to cast your ballots. That week’s winner will stay on and de
Annenberg Media •

Stoppage Time: The games have to matter

“Stoppage Time” is a column by Samuel Reno about NCAA Women’s Soccer.

If you’re reading this in November of 2022, then you know Stanford just lost – eliminated from the NCAA Tournament on penalty kicks by sixth-seeded BYU.

On the surface, there’s nothing notable about the No. 3 seed Cardinal dropping a result to a top-20 Cougars team no stranger to postseason success. But Stanford, after losing just twice all year, had to play this home game in Chapel Hill, N.C.

That’s the difference between

The Striker News

TheStriker.com •

LAFC readies for an MLS Cup rematch at home, with arguably even higher stakes

LAFC and the Philadelphia Union have met six times in the five years since LAFC’s entrance into MLS in 2018. The Union haven't won any of them.

They’ve split four of them, with the other two going the way of the Black and Gold – though last season’s MLS Cup was technically dead even at the end of regulation. Thanks to Kellyn Acosta’s stoppage-time equalizer last week, in the first of two Concacaf Champions League semifinal legs, LAFC have the edge on away goals, meaning Philadelphia will likely need that first-ever victory if it hopes to represent MLS in CCL.
TheStriker.com •

Kellyn Acosta's redemptive goal lifts LAFC to dramatic 1-1 draw at Philadelphia Union in Leg 1

Another 90 minutes of live soccer between LAFC and Philadelphia, and we still can’t separate these two sides. A 1-1 draw featuring a penalty kick and a stoppage-time equalizer in the rematch was a fitting tribute to their thrilling display in MLS Cup last November.

Daniel Gazdag converted from the spot to put the Union ahead in the 86th minute, but Kellyn Acosta – the man at fault for the Union penalty – had LAFC’s answer just five minutes later, sending the tie back to Los Angeles all even at one goal apiece.
TheStriker.com •

Simply the best: LAFC faces a worthy foe in the Union for place in CCL final

It’s fitting. The two best teams in the United States playing for the right to compete for the title of best team in North America.

Their duel in the 2022 MLS Cup deserved another 90 minutes, and after 172 long days, the football gods have blessed us with 180 more. For the second consecutive season, a MLS team will play for the Concacaf Champions League crown, and these next three hours — starting with Wednesday's match at the Union's Subaru Park home, at 6 p.m. PT — will provide the league its representative.
TheStriker.com •

LAFC keeps unbeaten streak going with draw against Nashville SC

In the last 20 years, LAFC is the only club to go unbeaten through the first seven matches of a season multiple times. Saturday night in Tennessee, the Black and Gold made it eight – the best start to a campaign in club history – with a 1-1 draw against Nashville SC.

On a night when Erik Dueñas became just the second homegrown player in club history to record a start, and Mateusz Bogusz made his first-ever MLS appearance, a familiar face stole the show in Music City.
TheStriker.com •

LAFC attack to get a test from one of league's best defense in Nashville

LAFC just beat the Galaxy in Carson for the first time in club history, days after cruising past the Vancouver Whitecaps to advance to the Concacaf Champions League semifinals.

On Wednesday, the squad will travel to the City of Brotherly Love to kick off a semifinal tie in an 2022 MLS Cup rematch with the Philadelphia Union. But sandwich in between, there is one short order of business – Nashville.
TheStriker.com •

https://www.thestriker.com/2023/04/17/lafc-3-la-galaxy-2-recap-vela

CARSON, Calif. – What was initially a struggle turned to a rout before descending into late-match chaos, but it all added up to a win for LAFC Sunday at Dignity Health Sports Park, 3-2 over a Galaxy team it had never before beaten in Carson through El Trafico's developing lore.

Things were all even at one after 45 minutes, and two goals in less than two minutes had LAFC home free with just 20 minutes to play. But the Galaxy got the first comeback goal that now seems inevitable in El Trafico, forcing LAFC to ride out the chaos of this rivalry for the final six minutes plus stoppage time.
TheStriker.com •

LAFC advances to CCL semis, beating Vancouver with increasingly familiar 3-0 scoreline

LOS ANGELES – A result that seemed inevitable took no time to be cemented as such, as LAFC scored twice in the opening half hour, ultimately dispatching Vancouver 3-0, 6-0 on aggregate Tuesday night in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League.

A penalty from Carlos Vela in the 8th minute calmed any holdover angst from the Round of 16, when the team had its sole loss of the season amid an aggregate win. He found the back of the net again 23 minutes later, and a double-doink goal from just outside the box put a bow on a dominant quarterfinal showing.
TheStriker.com •

90 minutes away: LAFC's date with the Whitecaps last obstacle to CCL semis

All that stands between LAFC and its second-ever trip to the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions League is 90 minutes — plus a Vancouver side already down three goals.

A 10-minute explosion from Denis Bouanga, racking up two goals and an assist in last week’s first leg, has lent LAFC that cushion. He only went and followed that up with a hat trick in a win over Austin on Saturday – his second of the season.
TheStriker.com •

For LAFC, it's TCB in CCL against Whitecaps in Vancouver

As Dénis Bouanga received the ball in the 65th minute of Tuesday night’s Concacadf Champions League quarterfinal in Vancouver, it had been more than 150 minutes of game time since LAFC’s last goal.

Bouanga’s next touch ended that drought, and put LAFC in front. A few more nifty ones from the competition’s leading scorer tripled that advantage ten minutes later. And when the dust finally settled in BC Place — or, technically, black turf pellets — the visitors had their away goals and a 3-0 first-leg victory.
TheStriker.com •

Don't call the Rapids match a 'trap game' for LAFC

Before we go any further, Denis Bouanga will be making the two-hour, 20-minute flight to Denver well in advance of Saturday’s contest between LAFC and the Colorado Rapids (6:30 p.m. PT, MLS Season Pass). By all accounts, he will arrive at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park at a reasonable hour.

Perhaps equally as important, so will everyone else. The international window is over, bringing José Cifuentes and Diego Palacios back to a fully stocked and healthy Black and Gold squad.
TheStriker.com •

LAFC's between CCL rounds, but facing an FC Dallas team that will test it

As the Seattle Sounders proved a season ago – by miserably failing to do so – it’s all about staying afloat through this portion of the season for teams competing in the Concacaf Champions League.

Extensive travel and midweek tilts with greater stakes make it difficult to keep posting results each weekend in the league. LAFC, however, is in the midst of a two-week "lull" – playing exclusively on Saturdays before the CCL quarterfinals begin again on April. 5, starting with this Saturday at BMO Stadium against FC Dallas (7:30 p.m. CT, MLS Season Pass).
TheStriker.com •

Bouanga makes unexpected appearance to nudge LAFC past FC Dallas

LOS ANGELES – On a night when LAFC nearly quadrupled up FC Dallas on xG, 2.15-0.58, it took just 0.03 of that off Denis Bouanga's right foot to push the hosts over the finish line.

The underlying numbers suggest dominance. The smattering of VAR decisions, a missed penalty, one goal from an impossible angle, and the heart rates of the 3252 reflected a messier affair — but thanks to Dénis Bouanga's surprise cameo, LAFC overcame FC Dallas 2-1 to continue its strong early-season start.
TheStriker.com •

What did she say? Analyzing Angel City's season through Freya Coombe's go-to phrases

22,000 at the Banc on opening night, and three more times thereafter. In playoff contention at the start of all 22 of its regular season contests. Women’s professional soccer in Los Angeles for the first time in 13 years.

So much about 2022 should and will be cemented as a success for Angel City FC. But 21 matches after the euphoria of Night 1 against North Carolina, they found themselves on the wrong side of the playoff line.
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USC Athletics •

Claire Haas Does It All!

LOS ANGELES –grew up in Kildeer, Ill., playing point guard on the basketball team and the incredibly demanding central midfield spot on the soccer field. As a young athlete, she idolized Mia Hamm and wanted to play the sport "for the rest of her life.""They also put me at goalie," Haas said. "Because I was the only kid that wasn't afraid to get hit with the ball really hard. I just very much put my body on the line, probably a little too much."Haas was an Illinois All-State selection in three co
USC Athletics •

A Journey Worth Taking

Every athlete has a vision, a dream of what the future of their career might look like. Whether that's an award, a school or another accomplishment, it's a universal vision.

Even among the few who make it happen, few do so as Tennant has. In 2020, 9,500 recent high school graduates accepted admission and enrolled at USC. The junior setter, however, was not one of them – instead opting to play volleyball 25 minutes up the road at Moorpark College.

After a COVID-mangled season at community colle

Lakers Supporting Cast Eager To Assist

As Reaves was gearing up to fight for a roster spot, Patrick Beverley was ready to help a young Minnesota Timberwolves team to the playoffs. It’s a feat the veteran guard has accomplished in each of his nine healthy seasons in the league, and he’s looking to bring that winning effort to this Lakers team.

His message since arriving earlier this month has been consistent: do whatever it takes on either end of the floor to do just that. Beverley even added, “It might be me getting kicked out of a

Coach Ham Discusses Westbrook and Beverley Backcourt

Also in attendance was Russell Westbrook. The pair’s history speaks for itself – neither shying away from a provocation from the other – but Ham and Beverley expressed, in specifics, an optimism for their union.

“I wouldn’t want to be in the backcourt and having to deal with these two guys,” Ham said, “So it’s going to be a lovely experience.”

“I was asked this question two, three years ago,” Beverley said, “About someone I’ve always wanted to play with. And [Westbrook] was the first name.”

“
Richmond Kickers •

Preview: Kickers return home for matchup with FC Tucson

Kickers look to build on two-match winning streak

Richmond, Va. – The Richmond Kickers (9-6-4, 31 pts) take on FC Tucson (3-9-4, 13 pts) for the third and final time this season at City Stadium on Saturday night.

Richmond’s five wins and plus-6 goal differential over Tucson are both the Kickers’ best marks against any USL League One opponent since joining the league in 2019. And after picking up wins in their first two meetings this year, the Kickers will look to complete the season sweep this
Richmond Kickers •

Match Recap: Kickers Move Within One Point Of First Place With Second-Straight Road Win

SEVERANCE, Colo. – The Richmond Kickers (9-6-4, 31 pts) earned a hard-fought 1-0 win on the road against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (5-7-7, 22 pts) Tuesday night in Severance, Colo. The win moves the Kickers within just one point of the top of the USL League One table.

Akira Fitzgerald – who picked up his fifth clean sheet of the season – was called on early amidst the rain, and responded with a brilliant save in the 7th minute. The league leader in saves dove to his left, fully extending t
Richmond Kickers •

Preview: Kickers ride into Northern Colorado

Kickers look to close out season series unbeaten versus the Hailstorm

Richmond, Va. – The Richmond Kickers (8-4-6, 28 pts) round out their three-game road trip with their third and final matchup with Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (5-7-6, 22 pts) Tuesday night in Severance, Colo.

Picking up a win and a draw in their previous two meetings, Richmond is unbeaten in their inaugural season series with Hailstorm.

Most recently, the Kickers earned a 3-2 home win on June 18 that saw them hold serve a
Richmond Kickers •

Match Recap: Kickers Score 2 In Stoppage Time to Stun North Carolina FC

CARY, N.C. — Emiliano Terzaghi and Dakota Barnathan scored stoppage-time goals to deliver the Richmond Kickers (8-6-4, 28 pts) a stunning 3-2 come-from-behind victory to clinch the season series against rivals North Carolina FC (5-9-3, 18 pts).

In the first stoppage minute, the Kickers’ leader in chance creation and their leading goal-scorer combined to find the equalizer. Nil Vinyals sent a cross into the box that curled late as Emiliano Terzaghi dove for the ball and headed home his eighth go
Richmond Kickers •

Kickers road trip rolls into North Carolina

Kickers head to Cary, N.C. for a rubber match at North Carolina FC

Richmond, Va. – The Richmond Kickers (7-6-4, 25 pts) head to Cary, N.C. for their third and final matchup with North Carolina FC (5-8-3, 18 pts) on Wednesday night.

The two sides have split the two previous meetings this season. North Carolina took the first contest 2-1 in Cary on May 28 while the Kickers struck back with a 4-1 beatdown at City Stadium on July 2.

Last time out, the Kickers dropped a 3-1 result in Fresno, Calif
Richmond Kickers •

Preview: Kickers head out west for first-ever matchup with Central Valley Fuego FC

The Kickers kick off a three-game road trip Saturday night in Fresno

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers (7-5-4, 25 pts) open a three-game road trip against Central Valley Fuego FC (5-5-5, 20 pts) on Saturday night in Fresno, California.

This weekend’s contest will be the first-ever meeting between the two sides and the first of three on the season. The Kickers will travel back out to Fresno on Aug. 20 before Fuego FC come to City Stadium to round out the season series on Sept. 24.

Buoying t
Richmond Kickers •

Match Recap: Kickers Fall in Top of the Table Clash with Greenville

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond Kickers (7-4-5, 25 pts) fell 1-3 to Greenville Triumph SC (9-4-4, 31 pts) in Saturday night’s top-of-the-table showdown at City Stadium. The result keeps the Kickers in second place as they drop just their second contest in the last 50 days.


Jonathan Bolanos had scored or assisted in his last seven appearances but was forced off with a pre-match warmup injury just seconds before kickoff. The back-to-back team of the week honoree was replaced by Leonardo Baima at
Richmond Kickers •

Stuart Ritchie: Back On His Feet

A thousand miles and a thousand days later, it’s just the beginning for Stuart Ritchie

It had been 1,615 days since Stuart Ritchie left the United States at just 15 years old.

26 minutes had passed and the Kickers trailed South Georgia Tormenta FC by a goal at City Stadium.

Jonathan Bolanos collected a long ball from Leonardo Baima, held off a defender, and played in an onrushing Ritchie who met it with his right foot at the penalty spot.

Ritchie popped it over the diving Tormenta keeper at
Richmond Kickers •

Preview: Kickers Host 1v2 Matchup Against Greenville

The rivals are set to play during the Kickers’ Pride Night celebrations

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers (7-4-4) play host to USL League One leading Greenville Triumph SC (8-4-4) in a top-of-the-table clash on Saturday night at City Stadium.

This weekend’s fixture is the first of three contests between the Triumph and Kickers – first and second in the league respectively. By virtue of a league-best goal difference of plus-13, a win would see the Kickers return to the pole position in Leagu

Daily Trojan | USC Annenberg Media

Annenberg Media •

Don’t call it unexpected: the rapid rise of Savannah DeMelo

An iced vanilla latte with oat milk and light ice from Quills.

Just one year ago, it was a Starbucks caramel iced latte with caramel drizzle for Savannah DeMelo, still donning the cardinal and gold in her final season in Southern California.

But the former has now become her go-to order, as DeMelo goes to work in the violet and lavender for Racing Louisville.

It’s a 12-month stretch that’s seen her go from All-American to American international, from senior leader to Rookie of the Month, from
Annenberg Media •

Trojans can’t find a winner, settle for draw against Huskies

No. 5 USC soccer played to its second consecutive draw on Sunday against Washington at Husky Soccer Stadium. The 2-2 result extends the Trojans’ unbeaten streak to 13 consecutive matches, but the pair of stalemates has seen their Pac-12 lead shrink to just one point.

The Trojans were without both of their regular starting wingers in senior Penelope Hocking and redshirt senior Jada Talley against the Huskies.

Hocking, the program’s all-time leading goal-scorer, was knocked out of their last con
Annenberg Media •

Hocking makes history in USC’s trouncing of Colorado

No. 11 USC women’s soccer steamrolled Colorado 4-1 on a historic Thursday night at McAlister Field. With a goal in the 21st minute, the 49th of her USC career, senior forward Penelope Hocking became USC’s all-time leading goal scorer.

After Hocking’s goal in the 6th minute was later ruled a Colorado own goal, she instead broke the record just 15 minutes later in spectacular fashion.

After carrying the ball across the top of the box, Hocking fired a bending left-footed strike that curled right
Annenberg Media •

CONCACAF Chronicles: World Cup Qualifying second window preview

“CONCACAF Chronicles” is a column by Sam Reno about North American soccer.

In a column that describes itself as “about North American soccer,” I would be remiss to omit the recent developments in the National Women’s Soccer League. The culture of exploitation, coercion and abuse outlined in the reports is completely unacceptable from many of those in power in the NWSL.

I am in no way qualified to outline this story for you, so I advise you to turn to the magnificent reporting done by Meg Lineh
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Don’t call it unexpected: the rapid rise of Savannah DeMelo

An iced vanilla latte with oat milk and light ice from Quills.

Just one year ago, it was a Starbucks caramel iced latte with caramel drizzle for Savannah DeMelo, still donning the cardinal and gold in her final season in Southern California.

But the former has now become her go-to order, as DeMelo goes to work in the violet and lavender for Racing Louisville.

It’s a 12-month stretch that’s seen her go from All-American to American international, from senior leader to Rookie of the Month, from
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Revenge not served for Trojans in Pac-12 Championship Game

On week one of the college football season, the task could not be more clear: win them all, and you’re in.

A one-point loss at Utah on Oct. 15 thrust USC’s fate into the hands of the committee, and just as destiny had finally been delivered back to Southern California, the boogeyman from Salt Lake City returned to send the Trojans’ playoff fate right back to a meeting room in Grapevine, Texas.

No. 4 USC fell 47-24 to No. 11 Utah in the Pac-12 Championship Game at Allegiant Stadium Friday night
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Trojans women’s volleyball discontinues dancing drought

Prior to 2020, USC women’s volleyball had failed to make the NCAA Tournament just three times — never consecutively — since the NCAA began sponsoring the sport in 1981.

Senior opposite hitter Emilia Weske was a freshman on the last Trojan squad to make the field of 64 in 2019, and after enduring the first multi-season tournament drought in school history, she’s the only one left as USC makes its return.

That rejuvenation has been buoyed by the nation’s No. 1 and No. 2 ranked freshman and trans
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Trojans silence Bruins in top-20 rivalry showdown

For UCLA redshirt senior quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, it started with a promise of 60 points, sideline taunts and post-play shoulder checks. Then came the turnovers — four of them — the last of which ensured the Victory Bell will be receiving a new, cardinal coat of paint.

No. 7 USC came from behind to top No. 16 UCLA 48-45 Saturday night at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. Trailing by as many as 14 points, the Trojans found the end zone on four of their final five drives to take the
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Stoppage Time: The games have to matter

“Stoppage Time” is a column by Samuel Reno about NCAA Women’s Soccer.

If you’re reading this in November of 2022, then you know Stanford just lost – eliminated from the NCAA Tournament on penalty kicks by sixth-seeded BYU.

On the surface, there’s nothing notable about the No. 3 seed Cardinal dropping a result to a top-20 Cougars team no stranger to postseason success. But Stanford, after losing just twice all year, had to play this home game in Chapel Hill, N.C.

That’s the difference between
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Trojans complete season sweep of Sun Devils

Jordan Wilson’s 20th swing of the night found the floor, and USC found its first win in two weeks. After suffering their first losing stretch of the season, this new-look Trojans group took a big step toward getting back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019.

USC came from behind to top Arizona State 3-1 Friday night at Galen Center. The Trojans missed just five of their 94 attempts from behind the line on the night, taking the last three sets to hold off the Sun Devils.

“I thin
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Stoppage Time: It’s time for the Pac-12 to add a postseason tournament

At 5:38 p.m., San Diego State and Utah State – knotted at a goal apiece – began a decisive penalty shootout in a Mountain West Tournament quarterfinal contest.

25 minutes and 44 penalty kicks later, junior goalkeeper Alexa Madueno came up with the match and shootout-winning save for the Aztecs at 6:03 p.m.

Yup… 44 penalty kicks – 37 of which found the back of the net.

That Mountain West showdown was just one of 10 different games across the country on Sunday decided on penalty kicks, and anot
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Stoppage Time: The title contender no one is talking about

“Stoppage Time” is a column by Sam Reno about NCAA women’s soccer.

Last season’s edition in the Evergreen State proved to be the difference in a Pac-12 title race decided by a singular point between USC and UCLA.

It was a test the Trojans failed in 2021, leaving Washington with just two points while their neighbors in Westwood escaped with a four-point weekend. Sure, UCLA’s head-to-head win on the final night made it official, but surviving the weekend away from home could have rendered the re
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USC five-star center Vince Iwuchukwu suffered cardiac arrest in July

USC men’s basketball freshman center Vince Iwuchukwu suffered from a cardiac arrest and collapsed during an informal team practice on July 1, he said to CBS Sports Thursday.

Iwuchukwu went to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and was hospitalized for multiple days following the incident.

“This past summer,” Iwuckukwu said in a statement to CBS Sports, “I had a sudden cardiac arrest during a workout. Since the event, I have received optimal care from the university and my personal expert medical team
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Isaiah Mobley selected in second round by Cleveland Cavaliers

Mobleys. This one’s for you.

Isaiah Mobley was selected No. 49 overall in the second round of Thursday’s 2022 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’ll rejoin his brother Evan, who was taken No. 3 overall by the Cavaliers out of USC in last year’s draft.

Isaiah is the sixth USC player to have his name called in the last five drafts, and at least one Trojan has been selected in each of the last five years.

Mobley averaged 14.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game for USC this season, good for se
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Winner Stays: Suns or the field?

There are few types of sports content as engaging as a good debate, and that’s exactly what “Winner Stays” is all about. Here’s how it works: Each week, two of Annenberg Media’s many excellent sports journalists will go head-to-head in debate over a certain topic. When we tweet the article from the @ANNMediaSports account, we’ll let you — the readers — decide who argued their point better via a simple Twitter poll. You’ll have 24 hours to cast your ballots. That week’s winner will stay on and de
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Women’s professional soccer’s triumphant return to the City of Angels

Tonight was always going to be a celebration. A jubilant recognition of Angel City FC’s creation, its owners, its supporters, its brand.

The investors were applauded on the field. Julie Foudy led a booming rendition of the infamous, now ACFC adopted, “three clap.” The players entered through smoke and fireworks as “Still D.R.E.” accompanied the moments leading up to kickoff.

But more often than not, that’s where the energy peaks on night one for an expansion franchise. Tonight was different. A
Daily Trojan •

Made in McAlister: Louisville FC’s offseason changes shows it’s ready for a title

Racing Louisville FC finished nearly twice as far from playoff qualification as it did the bottom of the National Women’s Soccer League a season ago. While it was only the club’s inaugural season, leadership wasted no time moving the entire organization into a different direction.

Back in August, Racing traded USWNT superstar Christen Press to new 2022 expansion franchise Angel City FC in exchange for the rights to the second overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft.

One month later, the club fired
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Trojans tame the Huskies in a back-and-forth Pac-12 Tournament thriller

Survive and advance – it’s the name of the game in March basketball and the theme for the majority of the USC basketball season. And on Thursday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the Trojans did exactly that.

No. 3 seed USC escaped with a 65-61 victory over No. 6 seed Washington in Thursday night’s Pac-12 Tournament quarterfinals. The win improves the Trojans to 3-0 in quarterfinal action as a top-four seed under head coach Andy Enfield.

“I know it’s late, but we didn’t want anybody to lea
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The ‘why’ behind Jane Alukonis

Nov. 5, 2021. The Pac-12 soccer world descends on Westwood for the Crosstown Showdown between No. 8 USC and No. 3 UCLA that will decide the conference title.

The Bruins take the night and the title — for the 13th time. USC head coach Keidane McAlpine rallies his team in the southwest corner as UCLA head coach Amanda Cromwell lifts yet another Pac-12 Championship trophy in front of the sellout crowd.

In the middle of the celebration is UCLA assistant coach Jane Alukonis, and while that moment w
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Jaquez shines as Bruins hold off Trojans

The Crosstown Showdown started fast, as each team made their first four shots from the field. Just over three minutes had passed, and USC led 9-8. Then came an 8-0 UCLA run, forcing a USC timeout with 12 minutes to play in the first half.

The Trojans never led again.

No. 16 USC fell 75-68 to No. 17 UCLA at Pauley Pavilion Saturday night – the Trojans’ first loss to the Bruins since 2019.

Junior forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. only scored five points on 2-for-11 in the first meeting – a 67-64 win for
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Winner Stays: Is the Pac-12 a four-bid league for men’s basketball?

There are few types of sports content as engaging as a good debate, and that’s exactly what “Winner Stays” is all about.

Here’s how it works: Each week, two of Annenberg Media’s many excellent sports journalists will go head-to-head in debate over a certain topic. When we tweet the article from the @ANNMediaSports account, we’ll let you — the readers — decide who argued their point better via a simple Twitter poll. You’ll have 24 hours to cast your ballots. That week’s winner will stay on and d
Annenberg Media •

Winner Stays: Who won the James Harden for Ben Simmons Trade?

There are few types of sports content as engaging as a good debate, and that’s exactly what “Winner Stays” is all about.

Here’s how it works: Each week, two of Annenberg Media’s many excellent sports journalists will go head-to-head in debate over a certain topic. When we tweet the article from the @ANNMediaSports account, we’ll let you — the readers — decide who argued their point better via a simple Twitter poll. You’ll have 24 hours to cast your ballots. That week’s winner will stay on and d
Annenberg Media •

Let Boogie cook – and wear his Kobes

Apr. 8, 2019. Tre Jones announces he’s returning to Duke for his sophomore season, stepping back into the starting point guard role that then-Blue Devil commit Boogie Ellis was once destined to fill.

Less than a month later, Ellis decommitted from Duke, opting instead to play point guard for Penny Hardaway at Memphis. He earned AAC Sixth Man of the Year honors in his second season and led the Tigers to an NIT title.

But Ellis wanted to start. He knew he could start.

Ellis has never been shy a
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