The Three Torches 8/18: The Place To Be

Successful Debut, Thankful, and much more!

Good morning! USC is the pLAce to be. If you didn’t know, now you know. Trojan athletics hasn’t had this much hype in a long time, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for each program this season.

What all can you find in today's Brew?

⚽️ Successful Debut
🏀 Thankful
⚔️ And much, much more!

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🔼 Successful Debut. The No. 22 Trojans defended home turf in a defensive masterpiece that saw the team come away with a 1-0 victory against Michigan to open up the 2023 regular season. Simone Jackson scored the game’s only goal in the 22nd minute with a strike inside the box. USC played lockdown defense for 90 minutes straight, and outshot the Wolverines 16-2, including a shutout of shots in the second half.

The undefeated squad will head back out onto the pitch this Sunday as they host Georgia for another non-conference matchup.

🔼 Brand New Setting. Trojan men’s volleyball is adding another setter to the team. Josh Friedman is set (see what we did there) to join last year’s 12th ranked squad and help the team achieve its championship aspirations.

🔼 Thankful. The Rady Children’s Invitational is set to tip off now that the schedule has been finalized. The Trojans will face off against Big East opponent Seton Hall in the first round matchup on Thanksgiving Day, and with a win, will play the winner of the Oklahoma/Iowa matchup. The Trojans have not played against the Pirates since 2008, but it’s safe to say a lot has changed since USC took the close loss 15 years ago.

🔼 More Awards. USC has a lot of student-athletes with Polynesian pride, and two of the Trojans’ top defensive lineman were selected as potential players to represent the community.

Stanley Ta’ufo’ou and Tyrone Taleni were both put on the watch list for the 2023 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year. Both redshirt seniors are coming off off solid seasons from their 2022 campaign and in prime position to be competitive for the award.

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TBD. Earlier this week, a pair of Trojan soccer players were named to the Preseason All-Pac 12 Team.

Our question today — can you name each of USC’s players selected to the team?

Think you got it? Scroll on down to the bottom of this email for the answer!

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⚔️ ONE BIG THING

Connect with fellow Trojans to experience the rich partnership between Orange County and USC on Sunday, August 20th. This event will be hosted by Steve Craig ’77 and former USC QB Paul McDonald ’80.

The day will feature a silent and live auction, as well exclusive opportunities to grab photos with key parts of the Trojan Marching Band, including Traveler and the USC drum major. Special performances lead by Dr. Jacob Vogel, Director of The Spirit of Troy, and the Trojan Marching Band, USC Song, and USC Spirit Leaders.

Don't miss this extraordinary afternoon that blends the best sports, music, and community partnerships!

📬 STICK WITH US

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📅 LOOKING AHEAD

Friday 8/25

🏐 Volleyball at Houston @ 6:00pm PT | Purchase Tickets

Saturday 8/26

🏈 Football vs. San Jose State @ 5:00pm PT | Purchase Season Tickets Today

🎉 TRIVIA ANSWER

The midfielder and forward duo will lead the USC squad with a FIFA World Cup appearance under their belt (Awujo), and a 2022 postseason First-Team selection (Jackson).

⚔️ Have a great weekend, everyone!