Husker Soccer Battles, Fall to Blue Devils

Playing without four key starters, the Nebraska soccer team battled, but fell to the Duke Blue Devils 3-0 on Thursday night at Hibner Stadium in front of 1,320 fans.

With the hard-fought loss, the Huskers fall to 1-2-0 on the season, while Duke improves to 1-1-0. 

In the first half, Duke scored first as Ella Hase found the back of the net off an assist from Mia Oliaro past the diving Cece Villa. Nebraska tallied four shots, two from both Ella Guyott and Sarah Weber, but were unable to capitalize, and Duke took a 1-0 lead into the break.

The Blue Devils continued to hold the momentum in the final 45 minutes and extended their lead to 3-0 after goals from Farrah Walters and Mia Minestrella in the 69th and 77th minutes. The Huskers had a few chances recording two shots and a shot on goal but were unable to break through the Duke defense. 

In the goal, Villa got the second-straight start and played the entire 90 minutes, along with Weber. Villa tallied seven saves, as she’s combined for 15 in the last two matches.

Up next, the Huskers continue their five-game homestand as Omaha comes to town on Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7:05 p.m. (CT).