Embry-Riddle women's soccer opened the 2026 season with a commanding 3–1 road win at Cumberland on Saturday afternoon, showcasing relentless attacking pressure, early momentum, and a late clincher to seal the result. The Eagles out-shot the Phoenix 33–15, controlled possession for long stretches, and saw contributions from veterans and newcomers across the pitch.
Embry-Riddle wasted no time asserting itself. Just 74 seconds into the match, defender Natalia Sepulveda stepped up and buried the opening goal, giving ERAU an immediate 1–0 advantage. Cumberland briefly equalized in the 10th minute, but the Eagles responded with poise and pressure.
The attack kept rolling, led by Jamie Brandon (8 shots), Tessa Updegraff (6 shots, 3 on goal), and Leah Barone (6 shots). Their constant movement and shot creation kept Cumberland's back line under strain all afternoon.
ERAU's midfield trio—Updegraff, Young, Newlin—controlled tempo and distribution, while the back line anchored by Sepulveda, Forrester, Carnahan, Kishida limited Cumberland to just three second-half shots.
Goalkeeper Maile Kahele delivered a steady performance, making three saves and organizing the defense through Cumberland's late pushes.
? Key Moments
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1:14 — Sepulveda opens the scoring. A composed finish from the senior defender put ERAU ahead early.
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20:54 — Roskopf restores the lead. After Cumberland tied the match, Kaitlyn Roskopf answered with a clinical strike to make it 2–1.
- 87:37 — Speer puts it away. Off a sharp assist from Sophia Sink, defender Kaylie Speer delivered the dagger, pushing the score to 3–1.
Embry-Riddle will return to Prescott for a game against Oregon Tech on Sunday night with kickoff scheduled for 5pm at Varsity Field.
