Brace From Attanasi Lifts Dukes Over Cougars

Thursday, October 21

Charleston, S.C.

6 p.m.

James Madison University

6-8-1, 3-3-0

College of Charleston

2-10-3, 1-4-1

James Madison

Col. of Charleston

10/21/2021 8:37:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Freshman Amanda Attanasi scored the first brace of her young career to lift James Madison over the College of Charleston, 3-2, on Thursday night at Ralph Lundy Field at Patriots Point.

The Dukes pick up another three points in conference play and move to 6-8-1 overall and 3-3 in Colonial Athletic Association play while the Cougars drop to 2-10-3, 1-4-1 CAA.

The first three minutes of the first half showed what type of match it would be in Charleston. The College took a very early 1-0 lead in the second minute, but the Dukes scored just over a minute later when Lexi Vanderlinden sent a pass to Ariana Reyes right in front of the net that she just tapped in for the tying score.

Both teams continued to create chances as the first half continued. The teams traded shots as the goalkeeping action was intensified. The Dukes were able to take the advantage though in the 36^th minute when Ginger Deel sent a pass from midfield to Attanasi who beat the Charleston keeper and knock in the score for a 2-1 lead. JMU would take the lead into the halftime break.

The Dukes were able to extend their lead in the 53^rd minute off the foot of Attanasi again. Iris Rabot found herself with the ball in the midfield and sent a great pass into the box where Attanasi was able to beat her defender and knock in the goal for a 3-1 lead.

The Cougars would not go away easily though, scoring a goal in the 85^th minute to make it a one goal match. That wouldn't be enough to overcome the deficit as the Dukes would hold on to take the contest, 3-2. Goalkeeper Alexandra Blom finished with six saves for JMU.

Game Notes

Amanda Attanasi becomes the third Duke this season to score twice in a game, joining Hannah Couling against Louisville (8/27) and Lexi Vanderlinden against Virginia Tech (9/2).
Attanasi becomes the first JMU freshman to score twice in a match since Katie Hyland recorded a brace against Pittsburgh on Aug. 26, 2011.
The Dukes put seven of their 12 shots on goal.

Quoting Head Coach Joshua Walters, Sr.
"Great fight tonight and brilliant brace by Nasty. That was a massive three points for us on the road. So, so proud of the team and the grit they showed tonight."

Up Next
The Dukes will face William & Mary on Sunday, Oct. 24 for their final road match of the regular season. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. and will be streamed on FloSports.