Late Goal Sinks Dukes in Season Opener

Friday, August 26

Harrisonburg, Va.

7:30 p.m.

James Madison University

0-1

Lehigh

1-0

Lehigh

James Madison

8/26/2016 11:15:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score @JMUMSoccer 2016 Roster 2016 Schedule/Results Box Score Highlights

HARRISONBURG, Va. – A late goal by Lehigh's Oscar Greene was the difference as James Madison men's soccer dropped a 1-0 decision in the season opener at University Park on Friday night. The game was the nightcap of the first day of the Fairfield Inn by Marriott JMU Invitational.

The Dukes held the possession advantage, outshooting the Mountain Hawks 18-7, and led in shots on goal 6-3. The JMU defense held strong to start the game, denying Lehigh a single shot-on-goal in the first half.

While Madison pressed for a score in the late stages, Lehigh sprung a counter attack in the 84th minute that resulted in Greene sliding to knock in a cross from Mark Forrest.

JMU created the majority of the quality scoring chances in the game, starting with a volley by sophomore midfielder Griffin Cyphers from the top of the box that forced a save. Freshman midfielder Tim Estermann had two good shots in the second half, one saved and one blocked by a Lehigh defender.

Redshirt senior forward Connor Coward had the best opportunity of the game in the 89th minute when he directed a cross on frame with a snapped header, forcing a diving save by Lehigh goalkeeper Jacob Gottwald.

PHOTO OF THE DAY
Griffin Cyphers dribbles through the midfield. Check out the full gallery here
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QUOTING COACH FOLEY
"I think in the second half we created a tremendous amount of opportunities to score goals, we were just unfortunate that we couldn't put one in. Their 'keeper made a great save right there at the end. Give credit to our guys for continuing to fight for the full 90 minutes, they played a great second half, creating a lot of opportunities, and now it's about moving on after the Lehigh match and getting ready for NC State."

NEW FACES AND NEW PLACES
Tim Estermann, Griffin Cyphers, Niclas Mohr, Brennen Burton and Austin Mann all played their first official match in a JMU jersey tonight. Sophomore Thomas Shores, who spent last year playing as a central midfielder, played the full 90 minutes as a center back.

UP NEXT
The Dukes return to action Sunday when they host NC State at 4:30 p.m. at University Park. The Wolfpack fell 1-0 to Radford in the first game of the Fairfield Inn by Marriott JMU Invitational. The tournament will be rounded out by Lehigh vs. Radford at noon Sunday.