Dukes Fall at Hofstra in Rematch of 2020 Title Match

Saturday, October 23

Hempstead, N.Y.

4 p.m.

James Madison University

10-4-1, 4-2-0

Hofstra

13-1-1, 4-1-1

James Madison

Hofstra

10/23/2021 6:35:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – In a rematch of the 2020 Colonial Athletic Association title match, No. 23 James Madison fell to No. 19 Hofstra, 1-0, on Saturday afternoon at Hofstra Soccer Stadium.

The Dukes drop to 10-4-1, 4-2 CAA while Hofstra is now 13-1-1, 4-1-1 CAA.

The first half was an evenly matched and physical opening period, as the two ranked CAA teams fought for chances. The Pride had an opportunity in the 21^st minute as Ryan Carmichael fired a shot in, but goalkeeper Martin Leu made a jumping save to keep the match scoreless. Hofstra once again had a chance in the 33^rd minute as a through ball to Carmichael allowed him to beat the JMU defender to go one-on-one with Leu, but a diving Leu negated the attack.

Leu finished with a season-high seven saves, with four coming in the first half as the teams went into the break at 0-0.

JMU was able to find some momentum going their way in the beginning of the second half, as opportunities opened up for the Dukes. Luca Erhardt attempted one of his five shots in the 58^th minute, but was just wide left. Axel Ahlander then had an opportunity on a header in the 61^st minute off a corner kick, with the shot sailing barely over the crossbar.

Hofstra was able to break the scoreless draw in the 72^nd minute on a cross into the box as a header got past Leu for a 1-0 lead. Ahlander attempted the equalizer in the 81^st minute to get JMU back in the match, but a diving stop prevented the ball to cross the goal line.

The Pride held onto the 1-0 lead to take the win.

Quoting Head Coach Paul Zazenski
"It was a battle tonight and unfortunately we didn't come out on top. We will look to rest and reset for Drexel."

Up Next
The Dukes return home for the remainder of the season, as they welcome Drexel to Sentara Park on Saturday, Oct. 30 for a 7 p.m. kickoff. The match will be streamed on FloSports.