Sept. 10, 1999

LINCOLN, Neb. - Junior midfielder Isabelle Harvey's goal in the 60th minute lifted the No. 15 USC women's soccer team to a landmark 1-0 victory over No. 18 Portland in the first game of the 1999 Husker Fila Invitational, hosted by the University of Nebraska at the Abbott Sports Complex, on Friday evening.

The win ranks among the best in school history for the Women of Troy (3-1), as the Pilots (1-2-1) are a perennial soccer power who made it into the 1998 NCAA semifinals.

"We didn't play our best game, but it's a sign of a good team that can win when you're not playing well," USC Coach Jim Millinder said. "This is a very big win for the program. I'm proud of what we accomplished today. We were solid defensively and Ali Fennell and Isabelle Harvey combined for a terrific goal."

After a scoreless first half, Fennell (Santa Ana/Mater Dei HS), a freshman midfielder, made a fantastic run with the ball up the right sideline, then made it past several defenders as she cut into the middle of the field. She found Harvey (Cap Rouge, Quebec, Canada) all alone near the left side of the net, and Harvey put it home easily at 59:39.

Harvey, who played in the 1999 Women's World Cup with Canada, scored her team-high third goal of 1999 and the 32nd of her career, which ranks second in USC history. It was also her 16th career game-winning goal, best in school history.

Though Portland outshot USC, 15-9, the Women of Troy had the better chances early. In the first half, both senior midfielder Kim Clark (Cupertino/Monta Vista HS) and Harvey were able to work their way past the defense, but Clark hit a shot right at the goalkeeper and Harvey miskicked an attempt.

Portland stepped up the attack late in the second half, but a few close calls and one diving save by sophomore goalkeeper Shaelyn Fernandes (San Jose/Presentation HS) helped preserve the shutout.

USC next plays No. 12 Connecticut on Sunday at 11 a.m. CT. UConn plays host Nebraska later tonight.

USC (3-1) 0 1 -- 1

PORTLAND (1-2-1) 0 0 -- 0

Scoring: Harvey (Fennell), USC, 59:39.

Shots: USC 9, UP 15 Saves: Shaelyn Fernandes (USC) 2, Angela Harrison (UP) 2

Fouls: USC 11, UP 5 Corners: USC 7, UP 2 Offsides: USC 5, UP 1