KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI — #1 Stanford survived a defensive battle against #2 Duke, securing a 1-0 victory Friday in the NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship semifinal. Playing in front of 7,066 fans, the Cardinal broke through in the ninth minute when Jasmine Aikey found the back of the net, a goal that would prove enough to advance the top seed past the second-seeded Blue Devils in a tightly contested matchup.
Aikey's strike came early and set the tone for what became a defensive showcase. The Stanford forward capitalized on a scoring opportunity in the opening stages, giving the Cardinal the only goal they would need in a match that saw both teams dig in defensively. Duke created chances throughout but couldn't find the finishing touch, managing just two shots on goal compared to Stanford's eight. The Blue Devils' attack, which had been potent in previous tournament rounds, struggled to break down a Cardinal defense that bent but refused to break.
The first half unfolded as a chess match between two elite programs. Duke's Elle Piper and Jocelyn Travers both had shots blocked early, while Stanford's Charlotte Kohler and Allie Montoya tested Duke's backline without success. The Cardinal controlled possession stretches but couldn't extend their lead, while Duke pressed forward looking for an equalizer that never materialized. Both teams earned corner kicks—Duke six to Stanford's four—but neither could convert set pieces into goals. The half ended with Stanford's one-goal advantage intact and Duke searching for answers.
After halftime, Duke emerged with renewed urgency, pushing higher up the pitch and forcing Stanford into a more reactive posture. The Blue Devils' Carina Lageyre and Avery Oder both fired off attempts that went wide, and the Cardinal's defense faced sustained pressure in the 50th and 60th minutes. Stanford goalkeeper made two saves to preserve the lead, while Duke's keeper stopped seven shots overall. The match became increasingly physical as both teams jostled for position, with Y-Lan Nguyen earning a yellow card for unsporting conduct in the 74th minute.
Stanford's defense, anchored by Eleanor Klinger and Brooke Holden, made crucial blocks and clearances when Duke mounted its most dangerous attacks. Charlotte Kohler came close to extending Stanford's advantage late, hitting the woodwork in the 73rd minute, a near-miss that could have sealed the result earlier. Duke continued pressing until the final whistle, but Stanford's backline held firm through 90 minutes of relentless pressure.
The statistical battle told the story of a match decided by clinical finishing and defensive resolve. Stanford's eight shots on goal dwarfed Duke's two, while the Cardinal's possession control limited Duke's opportunities. Duke's six corner kicks represented their best chance to equalize, but Stanford's set-piece defense proved impenetrable. The Blue Devils' inability to convert their chances—particularly in the second half when they dominated stretches of play—ultimately cost them a spot in the championship match.
Aikey's early goal showcased Stanford's attacking threat, while the Cardinal's defensive organization throughout the match highlighted their tournament pedigree. Duke showed resilience and created dangerous moments, but lacked the precision needed against an opponent that has won five straight matches. The Cardinal's ability to protect a one-goal lead against a desperate opponent demonstrated the mental toughness required to win championships.
Stanford advances to face #3 Florida State in the NCAA Championship final, riding a five-match winning streak that includes dominant victories over #5 BYU and #2 Michigan State. Duke's tournament run ends with a loss that, despite the scoreline, showcased the Blue Devils' competitive quality against the nation's best team.