The WSU women’s soccer (13-4-1, 5-1-1 Pac-10) team returns home this weekend to take on Pac-10 foes USC and UCLA to finish off its regular season.

The Soccer Times’ ranked WSU No. 13 in the nation, and the team will look to finish the season strong and solidify its placement in the NCAA Tournament. They first take on the No. 20 USC Trojans at 1:30 p.m. Friday and No. 3 UCLA at 11 a.m. Sunday.

“USC and UCLA both have their own strengths,” senior forward Kiersten Dallstream said. “We have done some video work, including watching them play each other on TV. We just have to put the finishing touches on our own strengths.” USC (12-6-0, 4-3-0 Pac-10) will pose a big challenge since they have an all-time record of 8-4-2 against WSU. However, WSU has been ranked among the top 25 in three national polls in the past three weeks. The team has a 6-1 record in their last seven games. WSU also defeated USC the past four of five games in Pullman.

“I think our team chemistry has a lot to do with our success,” junior goalkeeper Meghan Berlingo said. “We've been taking every game at a time, and it has helped us to focus on what to do next.” UCLA (15-2-1, 6-1-0 Pac-10) will pose another big challenge Sunday. The Bruins have a 5-1-0 record in Pullman and a 12-2-0 all-time record against WSU.

“I have a pretty good feeling that we will finish well and make the tournament,” freshman midfielder Brandi Vega said. “We want to go strong.” One win this weekend would almost guarantee a place in the NCAA tournament for WSU.

“Across the board, we have a gifted team,” Head Coach Matt Potter said. “All the players have had moments that they have had to perform and have done just that. Kiersten Dallstream and Carly Dobratz have had outstanding senior seasons and so have the returners from last year."

Potter also commented on how well Berlingo has played as a goalkeeper, and he praised all the freshmen who proved themselves to earn starting positions.