The Old Dominion University women's soccer squad is set to meet the nation's second‑ranked Duke Blue Devils on Thursday, August 27 at 6 p.m. Eastern Time in Norfolk, Virginia. The matchup pits a 1‑3 Monarchs team that has endured a rocky start against a Duke side riding a 3‑0‑1 record and a two‑game winning streak.
A Tale of Two Teams
ODU opened its season with a narrow 1‑0 defeat to the Demon Deacons before dropping another close game to UNCW, leaving the Monarchs with just a single victory to show for four outings. In contrast, Duke has posted three wins and a tie, including a 3‑1 triumph over USC in its season opener in Los Angeles, California, and maintains a perfect 2‑0 home slate.
The two programs last met in the 2021 NCAA Tournament first round, where Duke edged ODU 1‑0, a memory that adds a layer of motivation for the Monarchs as they look to reverse the earlier result.
Streaming the contest will be available on ESPN+, giving fans across the country a chance to follow the action from the comfort of their homes.
Key Players to Watch
Among the standout performers for the Monarchs, senior forward Hannah Morgan from Mullica Hill, New Jersey, leads the scoring chart with four points derived from two goals, while transfer midfielder Madison Telmer from St. Peter’s contributes three points through a goal and an assist. Defender Sydney Somers, a senior from Littleton, Colorado, also found the net in a 3‑0 victory over Longwood, and goalkeeper Ellie Goodrich, who stands at 1‑3 in net with a 73.3 % save percentage, hopes to tighten the defense.
Duke’s offensive firepower centers on Mia Minestrella, who tops the Blue Devils with twelve points from six goals, and Katie Shea Collins, who adds depth to the attacking lineup. Their contributions have helped Duke maintain a high‑scoring average early in the campaign.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, the Monarchs will meet Maryland, a team currently sitting at 2‑0‑1, while the Blue Devils are slated to encounter Rhode Island in their next contest. Both squads are aware that each game will shape their postseason aspirations.