A penalty kick by redshirt senior Alex Anthony lifted the Trojans past the Arizona Wildcats.
TUCSON, Ariz. – The No. 6 Trojans slipped out of Arizona with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a double-overtime penalty kick finish by Alex Anthony on Thursday evening at Murphey Field at Mulcahy Soccer Stadium.
The Trojans (9-1-1, 3-0-1 Pac-12) dominated the action through the full 90 minutes, outshooting the Wildcats (8-2-1, 2-2-0 Pac-12) 12-3, but were unable to find the back of the net. Through regulation the Trojans also tallied 5 corner kicks to just two opportunities for the Wildcats.
Alex Anthony redeems herself with a PK finish in the 109th minute to propel USC to victory in the desert! USC now 9-1-1, 3-0-1 Pac-12! pic.twitter.com/yv6gRG1OQh
— USC Women's Soccer (@USC_WSoccer) October 6, 2017
The Trojans had multiple opportunities, throughout regulation, possibly none better than a shot by Sydney Sladek in the 58th minute that just tipped off the crossbar.
RELATED: Perfect overtime header gives New Mexico State the dramatic victory
Goalkeeper Kaylie Collins was outstanding throughout, making three saves throughout the match, with the biggest coming in the 92nd minute, showing her hops as she skied for a shot by Jill Aguilera, pegged for the upper right corner, tipping it up and over the crossbar.
After settling into the first overtime period, the Trojans looked to have their opportunity as Savannah DeMelo is pulled down in the box, leading to a penalty kick opportunity. Redshirt senior forward Alex Anthony took the kick, and skied the shot, and the Trojans played on in Tucson.
WHAT A SHOT!
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) October 6, 2017
WHAT A SAVE!#Pac12Soccer is in OT: https://t.co/YfMNDWtSGW pic.twitter.com/0JZctwe0P3
Then in the second overtime period, after the Trojans had a shot opportunity and two corner kicks, DeMelo was once again taken down in the box, this time in the 109th minute of action. With a second penalty kick opportunity, Anthony was given a chance to redeem herself and she made good, burying the shot to give the Trojans the 1-0 lead.
The USC defense held on, as the Trojans won their first overtime contest of the year, and tallied their fifth shutout of the season.
MORE: Arizona takes down No. 11 Cal thanks to freshman's first career goal
Anthony led the Trojans on the day, with five total shots, three of those on frame.
While Trojan goalkeeper Kaylie Collins took the win to advance to 9-1-1 on the year, Wildcat keeper Lainey Burdett took the loss, falling to 5-4-2 on the year.
