Four Blue Devils on a Secret Mission in Portugal—What They Risk Could Shock You!

DURHAM, N.C. – The Duke women's soccer program is making headlines with the announcement that four of its key players have been selected to join the United States Under-19 Women's National Team for an upcoming international camp in Portugal. The athletes—Lexi Coughlin, Jocelyn Travers, Rylee McLanahan, and Avery Oder—will represent Duke and the U.S. from February 21 to March 7, 2026.

The training camp will serve as a preparatory phase for the squad as they gear up for three friendly matches against international opponents. The team will first face Czechia on February 27 at the Estadio Municipal de Arouca. Following that, they will take on Wales on March 2 at Estadio Conde Dias Garcia, before concluding their series of games against host nation Portugal on March 6, also at Estadio Municipal de Arouca.

This upcoming camp marks an important milestone for the U.S. Under-19 team as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA Women's U-20 World Cup, set to take place in Poland from September 5 to 27, 2026. The involvement of these four Duke players highlights the university's strong commitment to fostering talent and contributing to national representation in women's soccer.

The selection of Coughlin, Travers, McLanahan, and Oder also underscores the growing prominence of Duke's women's soccer program, which has consistently produced competitive athletes capable of thriving at the national level. Fans and supporters of the program can stay updated by following Duke women's soccer on their social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, by searching for "DukeWSOC."

The participation of these players in international competition provides not just a chance to showcase their skills but also an invaluable opportunity to gain experience against diverse playing styles. Such opportunities are crucial in preparing young athletes for higher levels of competition, including collegiate and professional soccer. As soccer continues to grow in popularity in the U.S., the achievements of these young women contribute to the narrative of women's sports, inspiring future generations of female athletes.

#GoDuke