HARRISONBURG, Va. - After playing the first two games on the road, the Royals women's soccer team opened up their 2025 home slate on Friday night. 

Leah Beachy, Hannah Kepler and Esme Cardoso all netted goals for the Royals while Katie Parks and CJ Jefferson combined for a shutout, as EMU downed JWC 3-0. 

Records: EMU 1-1-1, 0-0-0 ODAC | Johnson & Wales 1-1-0, 0-0-0 C2C

Highlights

• EMU's offense came out firing early, as Beachy, Cardoso, Addison Fornadel, Leah Cap and Michelle Thompson all had shots in the first eight minutes. Just before the nine minute mark, Bridget Hay was fouled in the box and EMU was awarded a penalty kick. Beachy took it and buried it in the lower left corner for her first goal of the season and a 1-0 EMU lead. 
• About 19 minutes later, after a foul on the Wildcats. Beachy and Kepler lined up about 25 yards outside for a Royals free kick. Beachy faked taking the kick, and Kepler drilled the ball to the near post, bending it like Beckham past the diving keeper, for a 2-0 advantage and her first collegiate goal. 
• JWU didn't get their first shot on goal until the 39:45 mark, but Parks was right there for the save, as EMU took a 2-0 lead into the break. 
• Jefferson added three more saves in the second half, keeping the shutout intact and continuing the strong defensive night for the Royals. With just under 15 minutes remaining, Cardoso was able to pick up a steal from a Wildcat defender, and put her shot in the far side corner, extending EMU's lead to three. 

Statistical Leaders
Goals: Beachy, Kepler and Cardoso (1)
Saves: Jefferson (3)

What's Next
EMU will return to the pitch on Sunday when they welcome in Brevard to Harrisonburg. Kickoff against the Tornadoes is set for 1:00 pm.

To keep up to date with everything surrounding EMU women's soccer, follow EMU on Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.