West Virginia women’s soccer had their chances, but in the end it was No. 4 Duke who found the back of the net twice as the Mountaineers fell 2-0 in their 2023 season opener.
Things looked promising early for West Virginia as they had an early chance on a cross to Dilary Heredia-Beltran who fired it but it hit off the right post in the first five minutes.
Duke would also have an early chance as Kate Rader had a free kick outside of the 18-yard box, but fired it over the top of the net.
The next chance for Rader, she would cash in. Rader took a shot from outside the top of the 18-yard box, and rifled it into the top right corner against Kayza Massey.
The Blue Devils would have multiple chances throughout the rest of the first half, registering six total shots and two shots on goal, including another chance from Rader that WVU’s Mackenzie Aunkst cleared in front of an empty net as Massey was forced to one side of the net.
Led by Heredia-Beltran, the chances would continue in the second half for the Mountaineers, but they could not find the back of the net. She led the Mountaineers on the night with three shots, as WVU put up six shots over the final 45 minutes of play.
Heredia-Beltran was able to get close on a chance, but sent it right to Duke goalkeeper Leah Freeman for the easy save.
In total, WVU had eight shots on the night and three shots on goal. Duke countered with 12 shots and five shots on goal.
West Virginia had 20 players see action in the opener, with five playing the full 90 minutes. Duke had 14 players see the pitch, with seven playing the entire match.
West Virginia returns home for their home opener on Sunday against Saint Francis at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
