Penelope Hocking’s late goal propels USC past Arizona soccer at the Coliseum

Penelope Hocking remains unbeaten against her twin sister and it’s all thanks to her left foot. The junior forward scored in the 77th minute at the LA Coliseum to lift USC to a 1-0 win over Arizona and Iliana Hocking for the third straight season.

Penelope collected a pass from Tara McKeown at the corner of the box, switched the ball to her left and took one dribble before lacing a shot into the left side of the net. UA goalkeeper Hope Hisey got a mitt on it, but it had too much pace.

Arizona almost grabbed the equalizer in the 84th minute when Jada Talley danced around a horde of defenders in the right side of the box and delivered a cross (or shot?) to the back post that Jill Aguilera couldn’t knock in with her left foot.

The Wildcats fall to 6-4 overall and 1-4 in the Pac-12. It’s the third time they have been shut out in conference play, as well as their third one-goal loss. They generated 11 shots (compared to 14 for USC) and one corner kick.

UA’s second-best scoring chance came in the 69th minute when Aguilera stepped up to take a free kick from just outside the 18. USC keeper Kaylie Collins dove to her left to glove a low lining shot.

If there’s a silver lining it’s that Arizona did a good job of limiting USC’s potent attack for most of the day. The Trojans’ .071 shot percentage was their third-worst of the season.

Hisey had six saves, including a leaping stop in the 21st minute to ensure the game remained scoreless at the half.

The Wildcats return home next weekend for a tough homestand against No. 23 Stanford and No. 22 Cal. The Trojans (4-3-1, 3-3 ) will host the Washington school next weekend.

But not before the Hocking twins shared a moment after the game.