USC Women’s Soccer battled back from an early deficit to earn a 1-1 draw against Oregon at Rawlinson Stadium on Friday evening, highlighted by a spectacular second-half equalizer from graduate transfer Maya McDermott.
The Trojans entered the Big Ten matchup looking to regain momentum after a difficult start to conference play. Oregon, however, wasted little time establishing itself as a threat.
In the 22nd minute, Carly Cormack broke the deadlock for the Ducks, finishing an attacking sequence assisted by Miya Alamares and Maddie Sharrer. The goal gave Oregon a 1-0 advantage and forced USC to chase the game.
Despite trailing at halftime, the Trojans continued pressing forward, generating eight first-half shots and creating opportunities against Oregon’s defensive line.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 50th minute.
McDermott collected possession near the left sideline, worked her way toward the center of the field, and unleashed a remarkable strike from nearly 25 yards. The ball sailed beyond the outstretched goalkeeper and into the upper corner, bringing USC level.
The stunning equalizer marked McDermott’s first goal in a USC uniform, adding significance to an evening when the program honored its graduating players.
With the match tied, both teams continued searching for a decisive goal. USC maintained much of the possession and applied pressure throughout the second half, but Oregon’s defense held firm.
The Trojans finished with a 14-7 advantage in shots and controlled 68 percent of possession, demonstrating their ability to dictate stretches of the contest.
Freshman goalkeeper Josie Biehl also contributed important saves to preserve the draw.
Although USC was unable to secure all three points, the comeback offered an encouraging response to adversity.
For the Trojans, the evening belonged to McDermott, whose moment of individual brilliance transformed a potential defeat into a valuable conference point.
