Second-Half Goals Drive Dukes Past Towson

Thursday, October 4

Towson, Md.

3 p.m.

James Madison University

6-7-0, 3-1-0

Towson

3-11-1, 0-5-0

James Madison

TOWSON

10/4/2018 8:07:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score @JMUWSoccer JMU WS on Instagram Box Score

TOWSON, Md. - Juniors Haley Crawford and Claire Meiser scored second-half goals on Thursday afternoon, powering James Madison to a 2-0 road win over Towson in Colonial Athletic Association women's soccer at Tiger Soccer Complex.

The Dukes (6-7, 3-1 CAA) controlled the match throughout, rolling to a 23-10 advantage in shots on the afternoon and holding Towson (3-11-1, 0-5 CAA) to just one attempt in the first half. Crawford and senior Hailey Stein led the JMU offense with five and four shots, respectively, while sophomore Ginger Deel picked up assists on both goals, her fourth and fifth of the season, tied for the team lead.

In addition to earning an assist on the match's opening goal, junior goalkeeper Hannah McShea racked up six saves on the afternoon on her way to the clean sheet, her fifth in the last six matches and sixth of the season. Her six shutouts this year have already tied the school record for solo shutouts by a junior.

HOW THEY SCORED
53' | Crawford broke the deadlock shortly after halftime, after McShea launched a punt across midfield that Deel flicked ahead with her back to goal. The junior latched onto the header and outran one defender before burying the 1-on-1 chance for her fifth goal of the year.
57' | Meiser doubled the lead less than five minutes later, again with help from Deel, who took a pass and pushed her dribble up the left wing before firing a low cross into the box. Meiser got her foot to the pass and tucked a shot just inside the far post on her first touch to provide the final scoreline.

QUOTING COACH WALTERS
"Four games in CAA play--with three on the road--and three shutouts makes for a happy coaching staff. Our players came prepared for Towson today and we created a lot of attack, we just need to be a little more clinical in front of goal. We're going to use this experience to prepare for UNCW at home this coming Sunday."

"Ginger Deel was fantastic today with two assists and it was great to see Haley Crawford and Claire Meiser rewarded for all their hard work with goals. It was an added bonus to see Hannah McShea pick up the assist on her drop kick; that's something her and Coach Boyd have been working on in training."

PLAY FROM THE (FAR) BACK
With her assist on the eventual game-winner, junior goalkeeper Hannah McShea became the first JMU goalkeeper to notch an assist since then-senior Diane Wszalek (2006-10) picked up one in a 5-1 win at Old Dominion on Oct. 24, 2010.

UP NEXT
The Dukes will return home for the weekend, continuing their CAA slate a Sentara Park with a 1 p.m. bout against UNCW on Sunday, Oct. 7. The Seahawks are currently 7-3 with a 1-2 mark in league play, but face Drexel in Philadelphia on Thursday evening prior to traveling to Harrisonburg.