In the two schools’ second-ever meeting, MSU extended its series record to 2-0 and brought its season record to 5-0-2. The Spartans finished non-conference play with a 3-0-1 record against teams in the Top 25 or receiving votes in national polls as of Thursday. The Spartans also have the most wins facing the toughest schedule in the nation, including victories over No. 7 and No. 12 teams.

Until tonight, MSU hasn't provided overwhelming evidence of its strength. The Spartans struggled in a scoreless draw against Eastern Michigan, nearly let a three-goal lead slip against No. 12 Colorado and relied on a last-minute equalizer against Notre Dame. 

But tonight, MSU put any doubts of its excellence to sleep with its victory over the Trojans. The Spartans found their attacking flow and managed to stay solid defensively.

USC was no match for the duo of senior forward Kennedy Bell and senior midfielder Kayla Briggs, who ran riot in the first half. Without a compact defensive shape or low block, the Trojans were overrun by the Spartans. MSU looked reinvigorated, led by seasoned head coach Jeff Hosler. 

"I thought we were really good going forward," Hosler told Big Ten Network at halftime. "I liked the way we countered; I liked the way we played and created chances."

MSU continues its West Coast road trip at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday at No. 16 UCLA. The Spartans have faced the Bruins twice in their history, both last season. MSU tied UCLA in September before beating the Bruins 2-1 in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals in November. MSU's next home game is against Michigan on Sunday, Sept. 20.

The Spartans took the pitch with intent, with high scorers Briggs and Bell combining to put MSU on the scoreboard in the sixth minute. It was Briggs' fourth goal and Bell's third assist of the season.

Bell added two of her own in quick succession in the 28th and 31st minutes, bringing the score to 3-0 and her own goal tally to five. Briggs assisted the first by sending the ball across the Trojans’ penalty box to an unmarked Bell, who slotted it into the open goal. Later, senior midfielder Bella Najera played the ball to Bell, who scored with a pass into the bottom left corner despite defenders flanking her.

Bell’s impact on the field went beyond her brace. While Bell excels at pressuring her opponents’ back line and lying in wait for service, the Spartans looked like the better team, with play going through Bell instead of to Bell. Her motion off the ball stumped USC and provided opportunities for the Spartans to continue their dominance. With Bell and Briggs running the show, MSU looked invincible in attack.

The Spartans learned from their near-catastrophe against Colorado in the second half, this time focusing on denying the Trojans box entries and responding quickly with counter-attacking movements. While MSU continued its impressive scoring, the improvement on defense was a needed boost for the Spartans’ season.

The Spartans kept their foot on the gas, with senior defender Renee Watson adding a fourth in the 66th minute. Briggs got her second assist of the game with a looping cross-field switch.

Junior forward Shelby Vaughn put her name on the board in the 87th minute with an assist from senior defender Eden Bretzer, rounding the goalkeeper after a long solo run. It was Vaughn’s first of the season and Bretzer’s first goal involvement as a Spartan.

The Trojans only recorded 8 shots, 2 on target. MSU more than doubled the Trojans' goal total with 17 shots, 8 on target. This win restated the Spartans' masterful attacking status and showed a team with a strong impetus to succeed.