For the first time in 15 years, the Wake Forest women’s soccer team has beaten the Duke Blue Devils in Durham. Coming off a disappointing 0-0 draw against unranked Boston College, the Demon Deacons were searching for a victory last Thursday on the road against yet another ACC opponent.
With Coach da Luz enforcing the importance of these in conference games, Wake Forest knew just how pivotal a win would be. Especially against the No. 9-ranked team in the entire nation and a longtime rival, this was not going to be an easy task.
After dominating last week and throughout the entire season, freshman Kylie Maxwell picked up right from where she left off. Directly following the 20-minute mark in the first half, the forward took advantage of a loose ball to knock home her fifth goal of the season. The goal, assisted by both Alex Wood and Carly Wilson, was the only point on the board at the end of the half.
Heading into the second with Wake Forest leading by one, the Blue Devils felt obligated to come out swinging. At the very top of the half, redshirt junior Kat Rader responded with an impressive goal on a penalty kick from Mia Oliaro. With the game now tied, it was clear that the momentum had swung in Duke’s favor.
Enduring shot attempt after shot attempt, sophomore goalkeeper Valentina Amaral did her best to keep the Blue Devils at bay, but allowed a second goal 64 minutes in. This time around, it was forward Julia Saunicheva who netted her first of the season.
But the Demon Deacons weren’t planning on rolling over just yet.
Wasting no time, the freshman Wood darted downfield to bring home a beautiful ball assisted by Sierra Sythe. The play itself was executed perfectly, and left the entire Duke defense completely crossed up. But more importantly, the score was knotted, and the momentum pendulum had shifted yet again.
Just minutes later, senior Hannah Johnson delivered the game-winning blow on a feed from both Maxwell and Sythe. It was a gorgeous sequence of events that led to the Demon Deacons’ ninth win of the season.
“This win tonight is great for our resume,” Coach da Luz said following Thursday’s game. “Beating Duke in Durham is an especially difficult thing to do.”
More than anything, though, it was the collective effort of this Wake Forest squad that gave this team such a colossal win. For a group that is filled with both veteran presence and young talent, the potential for another deep run is looking promising this season.
“I am incredibly proud of our entire team and staff,” coach da Luz said. “I have the best staff in the country and a hungry team.”
ACC play will continue next week for Wake Forest as they will take on NC State in Raleigh this Thursday, Oct. 2.
