It doesn’t take an expert to acknowledge that USC soccer’s start to the 2026 season has left lots to be desired. 

The Trojans have failed to shake off their dismal run of form through the tail end of 2025, winning only one of their last 15 games: a 4-0 nonconference victory over New Mexico State University in August.

Despite sitting second to last in the conference standings — seven spots below playoff contention — USC (1-6-3, 0-3-1 Big Ten) will try to put the past behind it as it travels to take on Penn State (4-2-3, 2-1-1) Sunday in a must-win match.

Although the Trojans boast a 2-1-1 all-time record over the Nittany Lions, much has changed since their most recent encounter in 2024, as a once-favorable matchup for the Trojans has swung heavily in Penn State’s favor. Head Coach Jane Alukonis and company need to rework their game plan if they are to take any points from the home side.

New generation of Trojans key to future success

A significant catalyst of USC’s recent shortcomings is likely the extensive rebuild that the squad underwent during the transfer window, which saw a total of 10 departures. These losses included core players from the 2025 season, such as then-junior forward Maribel Flores, then-sophomore forward Jaiden Anderson and graduate goalkeeper Bella Grust, stripping the team of its foundations.

The Trojans were subsequently given a full makeover, with 12 players — seven of them freshmen — added to fill the void. As is the case with any squad overhaul, adjustment takes time, whether it involves building team chemistry, updating tactics, revising starting lineups or acclimating to a new lifestyle. 

Nevertheless, USC’s recruits have had an immediate impact. One of the most anticipated signings of the window was that of freshman goalkeeper Josie Biehl, a talented prospect lauded by some as the best goalkeeper in the 2026 class and capped by the United States national team at the youth level. 

Despite having only one clean sheet to her name, the Trojans’ leaky defense has forced Biehl to make 40 saves, eleven of which came against Ohio State (7-1-1, 3-1-0). She has proven herself a worthy successor to Grust and has shown composure in tense moments, including a 90th-minute save against Oregon (6-1-2, 1-1-1 Big Ten) to keep the score level at 1-1.

Graduate forward Maya McDermott, who spent three seasons at Syracuse, scored the equalizer from outside the box against the Ducks, marking USC’s first goal and point of Big Ten play this year and ending the Trojans’ two-game goal drought.

Freshman defender Savannah Leifried has also cemented her role in the lineup as a starter in all but one of the Trojans’ matches this season. Like Biehl, Leifried is a top prospect with invaluable U.S. Youth National Team experience, playing in friendlies against Ireland and Portugal last year.

Despite her defensive role, she notched assists in nonconference games against Duke (6-1-2, 1-1-1 ACC) and Pepperdine University (4-3-2), respectively, highlighting both her versatility and ball-playing ability.

While the future for USC’s soccer program holds promise, the present has hardly been a gift, and improvement is needed if the Trojans hope to reach the first round of the Big Ten Tournament, a hurdle they failed to overcome last season.

USC has an alarming disciplinary record, with the squad picking up seven yellow cards and two red cards so far. Both reds have come from sophomore midfielder and defender Edra Bello, who was most notably sent off against Purdue (9-1-1, 3-1-0 Big Ten). Following the suspension, the Boilermakers scored twice in quick succession — the red card ultimately decisive in USC’s defeat.

Although USC currently lacks attacking threat and defensive stability, no successful soccer program has ever been built in a day. The Trojans will travel to Pennsylvania with a point to prove — and a chance to show that the foundations of a stronger future are already taking shape.

Penn State’s seasoned defense difficult to break down

Conversely, Penn State has retained many key players and enters the match as the favorite, led by an experienced backline consisting primarily of upperclassmen. The Nittany Lions have conceded just seven goals this season, including two in conference play.

Between the sticks, redshirt senior goalkeeper Mackenzie Gress has been a force to be reckoned with, making 31 saves and stopping 83.8% of shots on target in eight matches.

Penn State’s defensive trio — composed of graduate student Lily Boyden, junior Bella Ayscue and redshirt sophomore Lilly Burger — has been instrumental on the pitch. The group has seven combined goal contributions and four shutouts for the squad.

The Nittany Lions enjoy playing at a high tempo right out of the gate, outscoring their opponents 10-2 in first halves. 

The Trojans will need to begin on the front foot and capitalize on their chances when they face Penn State Sunday at 10 a.m. at Jeffrey Field in University Park, Pennsylvania.