CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte women's soccer team secured its first win of the 2026 season with a 3-1 victory over South Carolina State University on Sunday afternoon at the Queens Sports Complex. The Royals improve to 1-4-1 on the season, while the Bulldogs fall to 0-7-0.
SCORING SUMMARY
7:18 - QUEENS - McKayla Budion (Assist: Grace Acevedo)
19:49 - QUEENS - McKayla Budion
33:17 - SOUTH CAROLINA ST. - Emmi Sullivan (Assist: Liya Ferguson)
76:44 - QUEENS - Grace Acevedo (Assist: Juliana Hunter, Addison Mello)
Turning Point
Queens came out on the front foot and wasted little time finding the back of the net. Just over seven minutes into the match, Grace Acevedo made a solo run down the left wing, beating her defender before sending a ball toward the near post for McKayla Budion, who connected on a one-time finish to give the Royals an early 1-nil advantage. Just 12 minutes later, Juliana Hunter fired an attempt from distance toward the bottom-right corner that was denied by South Carolina State goalkeeper Jada Gittings. The rebound fell into the path of Tamia Ford, whose ensuing attempt struck the crossbar before Budion cleaned up the loose ball near the goal line to secure her brace and double the Queens advantage. South Carolina State cut the deficit to one in the 34th minute when Emmi Sullivan found the back of the net following a corner kick, but the Royals continued to apply pressure throughout the second half. Queens eventually restored its two-goal advantage in the 77th minute when Addison Mello's corner connected with Hunter, who redirected the ball toward Acevedo for her first collegiate goal and the final tally of the afternoon.
Key Stats & Notes
- Erin Coleman and Avery Miller earned their first starts of the season.
- McKayla Budion recorded her second career brace and the first by a Queens player since Budion scored twice on October 12, 2025.
- Budion's two goals brought her season total to three, tying her career high for goals in a season.
- Grace Acevedo recorded her first collegiate goal while adding an assist for a three-point afternoon. Acevedo now leads the Royals with two assists on the season.
- Acevedo led Queens with seven shots, including four on goal, while Emma Miller followed with three attempts.
- Budion placed all four of her shots on target and finished with a game-high two goals.
- Emily Protiva played the full 90 minutes in goal and recorded four saves while facing eight South Carolina State shots.
- Budion joined Protiva in playing all 90 minutes for the Royals.
- Queens held a 23-8 advantage in total shots and a 12-5 edge in shots on goal.
- The Royals continued to apply pressure after halftime, generating 13 of their 23 shots in the second half.
- Queens held a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks.
- The two sides combined for 15 fouls, with Queens committing 11 and South Carolina State four.
Up Next
The Royals will now look to return home in seven days as they are set to honor our seniors on senior day against the University of South Carolina- Upstate on Sunday September 13, with kickoff set for 1:00 p.m.
Social Media
Be sure to follow the Queens Women's Soccer team on Facebook, X, and Instagram throughout the 2026 season to get the latest news and updates. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok by searching @QueensAthletics.
