LOS ANGELES — NM state showed grit against a nationally ranked opponent but came up short in a 4-0 loss to No. 5 USC Trojans. The Aggies battled throughout the afternoon at Rawlinson Stadium but were unable to find the back of the net.

The Aggies (1-3-0) held their ground early but conceded three first-half goals as the Trojans capitalized on giveaways in the defensive third. Valerie Guha, who denied a penalty kick late in second half, made three saves in her 71 minutes of action before Karolanne Lafortune came on to stop two shots. This was this first that Lafortune made an appearance for the Crimson and White this season.

Despite being outshot 35-2, NM State nearly broke through in the 60th minute when Tessa O'Neill forced USC's keeper into a stop. The Aggies continued to show strength in the second half, highlighted by defensive efforts from Jena Johannes and Amaya Simoni-Walters, but USC added a fourth in the 65th minute to seal the match.

NM State now looks to regroup as it prepares for next week when the squad faces yet another power four program in Big 12 foe Colorado on Thursday, August, 28.

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