A group of five standout players from Duke's women's soccer program are set to travel to Cary, North Carolina, for a high‑profile soccer festival that will run from May 27 through May 30. The event, known as The Soccer Tournament (TST), brings together elite talent from across the globe in a compact, 7‑on‑7 competition that promises both drama and a fresh twist on traditional soccer.
A Fresh Twist on the Game
TST distinguishes itself with a Target Score Time format: each match ends the instant a team reaches a pre‑calculated Target Score, which is derived from the leading team's score plus one after two 20‑minute halves. Players are removed from the field every three minutes during this final period, forcing rapid tactical adjustments and keeping the action constantly evolving.
The stakes are amplified by three $1 million winner‑take‑all prizes that will be awarded to the champions of the men's and women's brackets. This financial incentive, combined with the unique tournament structure, has attracted a diverse lineup of clubs and national teams eager to test their mettle in a new competitive arena.
Duke's Talent on the International Stage
Five Blue Devils — Imani Dorsey, Sofia Nuñez, Samantha Courtwright, Avery Oder and Caroline Dysart — will represent Duke in the women's bracket. Their participation underscores the growing pipeline that connects collegiate soccer with professional‑style showcase events, offering student‑athletes a platform to compete against seasoned clubs from around the world.
The tournament field includes clubs such as Club América, Simply Futbol FC and Bumpy Pitch FC, while the U.S. women's side will also be represented. Fans can follow every goal live on the TST YouTube channel, and the Duke athletes can be tracked on social platforms under the handle DukeWSOC, where they will share behind‑the‑scenes insights and match updates.
Beyond the on‑field competition, the event highlights a broader trend of college programs embracing innovative formats that bridge the gap between academic soccer and professional exposure. As the tournament unfolds in Cary, it may well set a precedent for future showcases that blend sport, technology and fan engagement.