MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - Minnesota (6-6-1) secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Southern California (7-4-1) on Thursday evening at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium, with Caroline Birdsell heading home the winner in the 83rd minute before a crowd of 1,247.
Paige Kalal opened the scoring for Minnesota in the 2nd minute, finishing a well-worked combination between Freya Jupp and Caroline Birdsell. Southern California equalized in the 23rd minute through Jaiden Anderson, who converted from a Maribel Flores assist. The match appeared headed for a draw until Birdsell's decisive header off Kalal's cross in the 83rd minute sealed the win for the Golden Gophers.
The first half showcased Minnesota's attacking intent, with the hosts generating multiple quality chances. Caroline Birdsell tested USC goalkeeper Bella Grust with shots in the 15th and 21st minutes, while Tatiana Cunningham fired just wide in the 20th minute. The Trojans struggled to maintain possession but made their opportunities count, with Anderson's equalizer coming against the run of play.
The second half saw increased pressure from Southern California, as Maribel Flores forced Minnesota goalkeeper Sarah Martin into a crucial save in the 51st minute. The Trojans' Faith George nearly put the visitors ahead in the 76th minute, but Martin produced another vital stop. Minnesota's tactical adjustment to introduce fresh attackers paid dividends, with substitute Mariah Nguyen adding energy before Birdsell's match-winning header.
Minnesota held the statistical advantage, outshooting USC 14-12 with nine shots on target compared to the Trojans' seven. The Golden Gophers earned eight corner kicks to USC's one, while the visitors received two yellow cards - shown to Molly McDougal in the 34th minute and Amalie Pianim in the 37th minute.
Birdsell's two-shot, one-goal performance led Minnesota's attack, while Kalal contributed a goal and an assist. Martin finished with six saves for Minnesota, including three crucial second-half stops. For USC, Grust recorded seven saves in a strong showing, while Anderson's goal highlighted her impact before being substituted in the 30th minute.
Minnesota's tactical approach of pressing high and utilizing quick transitions proved effective, particularly in exploiting space behind USC's fullbacks. The Trojans attempted to control the middle third but struggled to break through Minnesota's organized defensive structure, led by Kate Childers' disciplined positioning.
The victory marks a significant turnaround for Minnesota following consecutive losses to Michigan and Wisconsin. For Southern California, the defeat ends their two-game winning streak and raises questions about their road form as they continue their Midwest swing.
Both teams made extensive use of their benches, with Minnesota's substitutions proving particularly impactful. The hosts' ability to maintain attacking pressure despite USC's second-half resurgence ultimately proved decisive, with Birdsell's late winner serving as a fitting reward for their persistent offensive efforts.
Minnesota looks to build on this momentum when they host UCLA on Sunday afternoon, while Southern California aims to bounce back in their visit to Wisconsin on Sunday. Both matches carry significant implications for conference positioning as the season enters its crucial phase.