Duke women's soccer achieved a 1-1 draw against ninth-ranked UCLA, highlighted by Sam Courtwright's early goal just 2:05 into the game. The Blue Devils concluded their season-opening California road trip with a record of 1-0-1. Despite playing a man down, Duke's resilience was notable, with goalkeeper Molly Vapensky making key saves to secure the draw. Coach Kieran Hall praised the team's character in the face of adversity. Duke is set to return home for their 2026 opener against FIU on August 20.

By the Numbers
  • Duke scored just 2:05 into the match, marking Sam Courtwright's first goal with the team and her 10th career goal.
  • The Blue Devils managed only two shots throughout the match, compared to UCLA's six.
State of Play
  • Duke holds a strong record of 17-2-1 in August over the last five years.
  • Despite being outshot in the second half, Duke鈥檚 defense held off UCLA's advances to maintain the draw.
What's Next

Duke will host FIU on August 20, marking the start of their home season. The match will be part of a tripleheader at Koskinen Stadium, featuring both women's and men's soccer events.

Bottom Line

The Blue Devils demonstrated resilience in a challenging game environment, setting a positive tone for the season with their ability to adapt and persevere despite setbacks. This mentality will be crucial as they transition back to home play.