Upcoming Event: Women's Soccer versus North Carolina on October 12, 2025 at 1 p.m.
Women's Soccer
vs North Carolina
Photo by: Duke Athletics
Royson Makes Collegiate Debut on Birthday
9/13/2020 7:25:00 PM | Women's Soccer
By Isaiah Green, Duke Sports Information
DURHAM, N.C.-- Emily Royson made her collegiate debut Thursday evening as the Duke women's soccer team began its 2020 campaign with a 4-3 overtime victory over Wake Forest.
Down 3-2 with under three minutes left in regulation, Duke was able to force overtime with a goal from Marykate McGuire. McGuire found the net again in overtime, helping the Blue Devils earn the season-opening victory.
The Blue Devils had several key players leave the match with cramps, which gave some younger players the opportunity to play major minutes. Royson, a native of Toms River, N.J., took advantage of her opportunity and logged 45 minutes in the win. Her defense in the second half and overtime proved to be vital for the Blue Devil comeback.
"I'm really glad that I got some time to go in and when I went in, I felt like it made a good impact on defense," said Royson. "It was actually really fun and energizing, the whole atmosphere and just being in the game."
The win was especially significant for her as she also celebrated her 18th birthday Thursday.
"It's one of my more different, unique birthdays," said Royson. "I've never had one like this."
Royson enjoyed a decorated prep career in which she was tabbed the No. 15 prospect in the nation and the fifth-best defender in the country by TopDrawerSoccer. She was also a First Team All-State selection and named as the Shore Conference Player of the Year as a junior. On the club level, she helped her team to a U17 National Championship in 2019 while also being tabbed an All-American for the 2018-19 season. Royson also competed for the U14 and U16 U.S. Girl's National Team.
The transition from high school to college has been all but normal for this year's rookie class due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the freshmen have leaned on the returning players for leadership.
"They've been awesome," said Royson. "They're the most supportive people I've ever met in my life. The slightest thing that you do good on the field, they're always there cheering you on the second after you do it. It's just really comforting."
Royson and the Blue Devils will continue their 2020 campaign Thursday when they host in-conference foe Virginia at Koskinen Stadium. The game will kick at 6 p.m., live on ACC Network.
#GoDuke
DURHAM, N.C.-- Emily Royson made her collegiate debut Thursday evening as the Duke women's soccer team began its 2020 campaign with a 4-3 overtime victory over Wake Forest.
Down 3-2 with under three minutes left in regulation, Duke was able to force overtime with a goal from Marykate McGuire. McGuire found the net again in overtime, helping the Blue Devils earn the season-opening victory.
The Blue Devils had several key players leave the match with cramps, which gave some younger players the opportunity to play major minutes. Royson, a native of Toms River, N.J., took advantage of her opportunity and logged 45 minutes in the win. Her defense in the second half and overtime proved to be vital for the Blue Devil comeback.
"I'm really glad that I got some time to go in and when I went in, I felt like it made a good impact on defense," said Royson. "It was actually really fun and energizing, the whole atmosphere and just being in the game."
The win was especially significant for her as she also celebrated her 18th birthday Thursday.
"It's one of my more different, unique birthdays," said Royson. "I've never had one like this."
Royson enjoyed a decorated prep career in which she was tabbed the No. 15 prospect in the nation and the fifth-best defender in the country by TopDrawerSoccer. She was also a First Team All-State selection and named as the Shore Conference Player of the Year as a junior. On the club level, she helped her team to a U17 National Championship in 2019 while also being tabbed an All-American for the 2018-19 season. Royson also competed for the U14 and U16 U.S. Girl's National Team.
The transition from high school to college has been all but normal for this year's rookie class due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the freshmen have leaned on the returning players for leadership.
"They've been awesome," said Royson. "They're the most supportive people I've ever met in my life. The slightest thing that you do good on the field, they're always there cheering you on the second after you do it. It's just really comforting."
Royson and the Blue Devils will continue their 2020 campaign Thursday when they host in-conference foe Virginia at Koskinen Stadium. The game will kick at 6 p.m., live on ACC Network.
#GoDuke
Players Mentioned
F
/ Women's Soccer
D
/ Women's SoccerKieran Hall Postgame vs Pitt
Thursday, October 02
Mia Oliaro Postgame vs Pitt
Thursday, October 02
Kieran Hall Postgame Vs. Wake Forest
Thursday, September 25
Kieran Hall Postgame Vs. Notre Dame
Friday, September 19
