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With a NCAA playoff berth possibly on the line, All-American Laura Schott scored a golden goal in the 118th minute to lift No. 17 California to a 1-0 victory over USC in the final regular season game Sunday afternoon at Edwards Stadium.  

Cal improved to 12-6-2 overall and 4-4-1 in the Pac-10, while USC fell to 10-6-2 and 5-3-1 in the Pac-10.  

Last weekend, Schott also tallied the golden goal in Cal’s 2-1 road victory against Arizona. Sunday’s goal was Schott’s fourth game winner of the season and her 15th goal overall. Entering the weekend, the Hermann Trophy and M.A.C. finalist led the Pac-10 in scoring with 31 points and now has 33 (15 goals, 3 assists).  

“This one was a little bit more special because we’ve been having a hard time coming together as a team lately,” said Schott. “To have a win like that in an overtime situation with a golden goal, it’s awesome for our team, and hopefully we can carry that momentum into the playoffs.”  

The game was a back-and-forth affair with Cal dominating the first half and holding a 10-4 shot advantage. The Trojans had the upper-hand in the second half in shots, 6-3.  

The momentum shifted back in Cal’s favor in time for overtime when Megan Kakadelas was whistled for a red card when she elbowed Cal defender Lucy Brining in the head in the 81st minute.  

The Bears held an 8-2 shot advantage in overtime and came close to scoring on several chances before Schott sealed the victory for Cal at 117:25. The goal developed when midfielder Jennifer Medina found defender Kassie Doubrava on the right flank. Doubrava passed the ball to a streaking Schott on the right side, and Schott chested the ball down and scored to the far post. 

“Every coach is going to say this,” said Cal coach Kevin Boyd. “I wasn’t focusing on the win. I was focusing on the effort we were giving. I was really unhappy Friday (in a 2-0 loss to UCLA) with our effort. We talked a lot about that yesterday and this morning. What I wanted to see was 100 percent effort from all of our players, and I thought we got that today.  

“Regardless of the outcome, I thought USC and us were in (the playoffs). Both of us were pretty aware of our injuries and were subbing quite a bit. I subbed more than I usually do because I didn’t want an injury.”  

The 64-team NCAA Tournament field will be announced today at noon. Cal is looking for its 10th bid in school history and fourth straight berth.