News Summary
In a thrilling match at the Spieker Aquatics Center, the University of Southern California (USC) men’s water polo team handed UCLA its first loss of the season, with a narrow victory of 13-12. Key players, including Ryder Dodd and Mihailo Vukazic, made significant contributions to secure the win against the previously unbeaten Bruins. This game not only highlights USC’s depth and talent but also reignites the rivalry between these two storied programs in collegiate water polo.
Los Angeles, California – In a thrilling showdown at the Spieker Aquatics Center on October 18, 2025, the University of Southern California (USC) men’s water polo team handed the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) its first loss of the season, with a close final score of USC 13, UCLA 12. This victory marked a significant moment for USC, who came into the match ranked No. 3, while UCLA was ranked No. 1 and had previously boasted a record of 18 wins and only 1 loss.
Before the match, USC held a record of 15 wins and 2 losses, and this game was crucial as both teams faced off in a Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) contest. Fans gathered in large numbers, with the match also featuring live streaming and live statistics for those unable to attend.
The match unfolded with intense back-and-forth scoring, characterized by crucial contributions from key players. Ryder Dodd led USC with an impressive performance, scoring 4 goals, while Mihailo Vukazic followed closely with 3 goals. Other contributors included Robert Lopez Duart and Chase Dodd, each scoring 2 goals. The wealth of talent on the USC roster was further displayed by Ben Liechty, Bode Brinkema, Jack Vort, Wade Sherlock, Jackson Harlan, Efe Naipoglu, Luke Nelson, Strahinja Krstic, Andrej Grgurevic, Noah Rowe, Ben Larsen, and Jack Martin, who all played pivotal roles in securing the victory.
As the match approached its closing moments, USC’s Ryder Dodd and Mihailo Vukazic showcased their skills by scoring significant goals, ultimately sealing UCLA’s fate and ending their undefeated season. The nail-biting conclusion kept fans on the edge of their seats and highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams.
This contest was particularly meaningful, as UCLA had been on a winning streak, with a record of 18 wins entering the match. The loss not only marked their first for the current season but also emphasized the depth and talent of the USC water polo program, demonstrating their capacity to compete at the highest levels within the MPSF.
Background context reveals that the historic rivalry between USC and UCLA extends beyond the pool, as both schools have longstanding traditions in athletics, particularly in water polo, where they have frequently seen each other as formidable opponents. The win for USC will likely reignite discussions surrounding the teams’ competitiveness in the MPSF league this season and moving forward.
As the season progresses, USC’s hard-fought victory will serve as a pivotal moment in their campaign, showcased through impressive individual performances and team cohesion, solidifying their status as a top contender. With their triumph over previously unbeaten UCLA, USC not only boosts its own standing but also sets the stage for an exciting remainder of the season in collegiate men’s water polo.
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Additional Resources
- USC Trojans: USC Men’s Water Polo Takes Down No. 1 UCLA
- Daily Bruin: UCLA Men’s Water Polo Loses 21-Game Winning Streak
- UCLA Bruins: USC Hands UCLA First Loss of the Season
- Google Search: Collegiate Men’s Water Polo
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Polo
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