Trojans Sweep MPSF Weekly Honors

After avenging its only loss of the season and claiming the championship at the Mountain Pacific Invitational last week, USC has come up with its first sweep of the MPSF weekly awards. Sophomore Jacob Mercep has been crowned as the MPSF Player of the Week — the first such award for a Trojan this season — while goalie Nic Porter has hauled in his second MPSF Newcomer of the Week honor.

Jacob Mercep was USC's top scorer in its winning run to the Mountain Pacific Invitational title, tallying 10 total goals including the game-winner with 5 seconds left in the title match at No. 1 Stanford. Mercep's biggest outing was a five-goal effort in USC's 13-6 win over No. 4 Cal in the semifinals. He had one goal in USC's opening 20-6 win over Air Force, then added two in a 14-8 win over No. 9 Long Beach State to secure that semifinal spot. In the championship game, Mercep's first goal gave USC a four-goal lead early in the third period. The Cardinal would close the gap and tie it up in the final minute, but Mercep provided the go-ahead blast with 5 seconds on the clock, setting up a USC defensive stand that held the 10-9 margin intact for the championship victory.

Meanwhile, now-two-time MPSF Newcomer of the Week Nic Porter blocked two 5-meter penalty shots and amassed 29 saves during USC's run to the Mountain Pacific Invitational championship. In the title match, Porter stopped No. 1 Stanford's opening 5-meter attempt and would go on to claim 10 saves in USC's 10-9 victory. In the semifinal vs. No. 4 Cal, Porter stopped another 5-meter penalty and saw the Golden Bears misfire on two more while Porter wound up with 13 saves in the Trojans' 13-6 semifinal win. Porter also stepped into the cage for three periods in USC's 14-8 win over No. 9 Long Beach State, making six saves and allowing just four goals by the 49ers.

While Mercep is the first Trojan to be named MPSF Player of the Week this season, Porter has extended USC's domination of the MPSF Newcomer of the Week award list. Trojans have now claimed the award for the past six consecutive weeks. Porter now has two selections, while fellow freshmen Hannes Daube and Sam Krutonog have claimed three and one, respectively, to date.

The Trojans have two nonconference games ahead this weekend. USC visits Long Beach State for a 1 p.m. matchup on Saturday (Oct. 20) before setting up to host Pepperdine at 1 p.m. on Sunday (Oct. 21) at Uytengsu Aquatics Center.

Players Mentioned

Hannes Daube

Sam Krutonog

Jacob Mercep

Nic Porter