DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA — #2 Duke controlled the second half with clinical finishing, defeating #3 Kansas 2-0 on Sunday in front of 826 fans at Koskinen Stadium. The Blue Devils' defense stifled the Jayhawks' attack while capitalizing on their limited opportunities, with Mia Minestrella and Kat Rader combining for both goals to extend Duke's winning streak to three matches.
Minestrella broke through in the 37th minute, giving Duke a 1-0 advantage with an assist from Rader. The goal came after a tightly contested first half where both teams created chances but neither could find the back of the net. Rader added an insurance goal in the 47th minute to put the match out of reach early in the second period, sealing Duke's dominant performance against a Kansas team ranked just one spot below them in the national standings.
The first 45 minutes featured end-to-end action with Kansas pressing for opportunities. Emily Tobin and Olivia Page generated chances for the Jayhawks, while Duke's Avery Oder and Kat Rader tested Kansas's defense. Elle Piper drew a yellow card in the 15th minute for unsporting conduct, but neither team could convert their early pressure into goals. The half remained scoreless despite Kansas earning eight corner kicks compared to Duke's three, reflecting the Jayhawks' territorial advantage early on.
Duke emerged from halftime with renewed intensity and purpose. The Blue Devils made four substitutions at the break, reshaping their lineup to counter Kansas's approach. That adjustment paid immediate dividends when Minestrella found the opening just before the 40-minute mark. The goal shifted momentum decisively in Duke's favor, and Rader's quick follow-up minutes later essentially decided the contest.
Kansas mounted a response but couldn't penetrate Duke's organized backline. The Jayhawks managed just two shots on goal for the entire match while Duke recorded five. Lexi Watts and Caroline Castans created some late chances for Kansas, but Duke goalkeeper kept the clean sheet intact with two crucial saves. The defensive intensity Duke displayed, particularly after halftime, limited Kansas to speculative efforts from distance. Duke now plays Washington.
Rader's two-goal performance highlighted Duke's attacking efficiency. The midfielder converted her opportunities with precision, demonstrating the clinical finishing that separates tournament contenders. Minestrella's opening goal came at a pivotal moment, breaking the deadlock when Kansas might have felt confident in their first-half performance. Together, they showcased Duke's ability to strike decisively when chances presented themselves.
Kansas finished with a 16-6-3 record after the loss, while Duke improved to 16-4-1 with the victory. The Jayhawks' eight corner kicks went unconverted, a missed opportunity against a Duke side that defended set pieces effectively. Despite Kansas's territorial dominance in stretches, Duke's superior finishing and second-half adjustments proved the difference in a matchup between two national championship contenders.
The victory demonstrates Duke's attacking depth and ability to control matches against elite opposition. Rader's performance and the team's defensive organization showcase why the Blue Devils remain among the nation's elite, capable of shutting down high-powered offenses while capitalizing on their own chances. For Kansas, the loss represents a setback against a direct competitor, though their season remains intact with multiple matches ahead.