#19 WASHINGTON STATE (10-3-1, 3-2-1)
at #7 USC (11-2-1, 4-2-0)
| Thr., Oct. 24 | 3 p.m. | McAlister Field
Watch Live | Pac-12 Network (Christian Miles & Tracey Bailey)
Live Statistics | SideArm Stats
OPENING XI
> Washington State got back to its winning ways with a 1-0 win at Oregon over the weekend to pick up its 10th win of the year.
> The Cougs have a chance to make a statement to the postseason committee this week with a trip to #7 USC and #18 UCLA.
> WSU takes on a Trojan squad that has won the last five matchups between the two teams, however the last two have been one-goal affairs.
> 10 of the Cougs' last 11 games have been decided by one-goal or fewer with WSU going 7-2 in one-goal contests.
> The Cougars pushed their way back into the top-25 at #19 in the United Soccer Coaches. In the other major polls WSU sits at #13 in TopDrawerSoccer.com and #25 in SoccerAmerica.
>
Ella Dederick picked up her 6th shutout of the year and has 26 career shutouts (2nd all-time). She is the program's all-time leader in wins (47) and minutes (7277:45) and 3rd in saves (269).
> The Cougars defense has been solid all year allowing just 1.00 gpg, while producing seven shutouts in 14 games. In the last four contests the Cougs have given up just one goal with three shutouts.
> 10 different Cougars have scored on the year with
Morgan Weaver and
Averie Collins leading the way with five goals each. Seven different Cougs have scored game-winners with Collins,
Makamae Gomera-Stevens and
Elyse Bennett tied at two.
> The Cous are in great shape for the postseason with five matches to play as they enter the week at #18 in the RPI. WSU still has games against #4 USC, #12 UW, and #19 UCLA.
>
Brianna Alger is #32 in the nation in assists per game at 0.50 (7 total) and tied for #3 in the Pac-12. WSU is #21 overall in assists per contest at 2.07 (29 total).
> On the road, the Cougs have been solid with an impressive 6-1-0 record with the one loss coming to the nation's best team in Stanford.
LAST TIME OUT
One well-placed cross and one dynamic header by junior
Elyse Bennett was all Washington State needed to take down Oregon the road Saturday night in Eugene, Ore. as the Cougs picked up a 1-0 victory to get back to their winning ways. The Cougars' defense allowed just five total shots, none on goal in 90 minutes against the Ducks. The last time the Cougs held a team without a shot on goal was Aug. 19, 2018 in a 1-0, overtime, win over Grand Canyon.
DEFENSIVE DOMINANCE
In 2019, the Cougars have been dominant on the defensive end of the field with seven shutouts in 14 games. In the two years prior, the Cougs produced 16 shutouts including 11 in 2017, tied for 2nd most in WSU history.
On the year, the Cougs have outscored their opposition 27-14.
Ella Dederick in goal has been credited with six full shutouts while sharing another with
Rachel Johnson.
In addition to the shutouts the Cougs have been stingy with shots allowing just 34 total shots (12 on goal) in the last four games including holding Oregon without a SOG in five total shots.
ROAD WARRIORS
A season after setting the program record for wins at home, the Cougars have taken their talents on the road this season with an impressive 6-1 mark away from Lower Soccer Field. The Cougs have earned five of their seven shutouts on the road, allowing just one goal to teams not named the Stanford Cardinal.
WSU's biggest win to date came on the road at #20 Cal when the Cougs won a 1-0 overtime thriller over the Golden Bears.
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