California Baptist University
#23 USC
WSOC Preview: CBU Welcomes #23 USC on Sunday Evening
8/17/2024 3:35:00 PM | Women's Soccer
RIVERSIDE--- The California Baptist women's soccer program opened the season well on Thursday evening after taking down CSUN in a 1-0 win in the squad's home opener. Morgan Witz was the lone player to find the back of the net after heading a rebound for her first goal of the season. The Lancers will now turn their attention to a Sunday match-up against #23 USC before their first away games of the season next week.
THE LANCERS AT A GLANCE
After a quiet first half, Witz immediately impacted the pace of the evening match after coming on as a substitute. The forward laced a few shots in the first half but finally connected with the netting just five minutes into the second half. The Lancers would hold on for another 40 minutes to secure their first victory of the season in a solid defensive outing. Newcomer Bella Lister was fantastic between the posts for CBU, showing off several key saves to keep the Matadors scoreless through 90.
Kaylee Hauck and Lauryn White also had impressive attacking moments throughout the match and will be players to keep an eye on through the 2024 season. Jana Heinen also continues to impress as a leader in the backline, keeping CBU disciplined defensively.
MATCH DAY INFORMATION
Opponents: University of Southern California
Date and Time: Sunday, August 18th at 7 PM
Location: CBU Soccer Stadium (Riverside, CA)
Video: ESPN+
Live Stats: StatBroadcast
MATCH NOTES
Sunday evening will be the first time the Lancers and Trojans will face off in women's soccer. Most notably, USC drew Western Athletic Conference foe Grand Canyon last year during the first round of the NCAA Tournament and beat the Lopes 1-0 at home.
THE TROJANS AT A GLANCE
The Trojans entered their 2024 campaign in the Top-25 NCAA squads, earning the #23 spot from United Soccer Coaches after ending last season ranked as #25. The team is coming off a tie against New Mexico State after drawing 2-2 in New Mexico on Thursday evening. The Trojans went ahead in the 20th minute and doubled their lead with another goal in the 59th minute. New Mexico State managed to cut the lead in half just 18 minutes later and tied the game in the last seconds of the match with a 90th-minute goal.
This is USC's first season as a member of the Big Ten Conference, and it will be looking to make a splash. The program is coming off its 22nd NCAA postseason appearance after advancing to the second round last season. USC returns Maribel Flores, 2023 Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, to its roster this season. However, the current sophomore will begin the season with the Mexican U20 squad at the FIFA U20 World Cup.
Lancer soccer tickets are on sale now HERE for all games at CBU Soccer Stadium.
