ASU Soccer: Sun Devils drop heartbreaker to No. 5 USC

Brady Vernon/House of SparkyNicole Douglas placed the ball on the spot. The anxiety filled within each individual inside of Sun Devil Soccer Stadium, waiting the result of the kick. Douglas gifted with a chance to respond to the gut-punch just received with a haymaker of her own. Instead, No. 5 USC (8-1-1, 1-1-0 Pac-12) delivered the knockout blow.

Douglas struck the penalty attempt with her right foot, a strike that forced USC goalkeeper Anna Smith to make a save. She made the correct decision and pushed Douglas’ shot to her right. As the ball rolled away, so did the Sun Devils’ chances at a miracle.

The final seconds ticked off, the Women of Troy walked off the pitch knowing they just…