Dukes Fall in NCAA Second Round to UCF

Sunday, May 2

Wilson, N.C.

5 p.m.

James Madison University

5-1-3, 4-0-0

UCF

9-3-1, 7-3-0

James Madison

UCF

5/2/2021 9:12:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

WILSON, N.C. – James Madison men's soccer fought hard, but fell to UCF, 2-1, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday evening at J. Burt Gillette Athletic Complex.

JMU falls to 5-1-3 to end their spring season, while UCF moves to 9-3-1.

HOW IT HAPPENED

UCF didn't waste much time to take the lead, scoring three minutes and 47 seconds into the contest. Clay Obara responded with a shot of his own moments later, but missed wide as UCF continued to pressure the Dukes prolific defense. The Knights put three more shots on the board before JMU was able to take their second shot of the contest. The two teams then traded fouls and shots until the final whistle of the first half was blown with UCF holding a 1-0 lead into halftime.

The Dukes opened up the second half with pressure this time, scoring after two shots were taken from UCF. Josiah Blanton was able to find the back of the net in the 51^st minute to tie the game at one on an assist from Melker Anshelm.

The tie didn't last for long, as UCF took the lead back just shy of four minutes later to make the score 2-1. The Knights continued to shoot, putting four shots up in a five-and-a-half-minute period about halfway in the second half. The Dukes continued to try and fight back, taking a shot in the 85^th minute but missed wide and the game would end 2-1 in favor of the Knights.

GAME NOTES

Blanton became the eighth Duke to score this season.
JMU tied its 1989 campaign's loss total for the least number of losses in a season in program history.

QUOTING HEAD COACH PAUL ZAZENSKI
"The result didn't go our way today but we are very proud of this group for not only another successful season, but also for navigating through COVID. It was an unusual season to say the least, but our players had a very professional mindset throughout it all. A special thanks to Chris Smith and Doctor Straughn for all the work they put in to make this season happen and keep us safe as possible while doing it. We were a young group this season and we are excited for what the future has in store for JMU men's soccer."