Second Half Goals Lead JMU to Comeback Win

Sunday, September 12

High Point, N.C.

1 p.m.

James Madison University

2-4-1, 0-0-0

High Point

0-5-2, 0-0-0

James Madison

High Point

9/12/2021 3:56:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

HIGH POINT, N.C. – The James Madison women's soccer team trailed at halftime, but a trio of second half goals led the Dukes back to defeat High Point, 3-1, on Sunday afternoon at Vert Stadium.

The win moves JMU to 2-4-1 as High Point drops to 0-5-2.

Both teams were able to penetrate each side's back line early on in the first half, with JMU getting their first shot saved in the eighth minute and then High Point returning the favor 21 seconds later.

The teams traded shots and possessions, with no one getting a real advantage on the other until High Point was able to score a goal in the 27^th minute to take a 1-0 lead. The Dukes were able to get off four more shots before the break, including Sophia Verrecchia who fired off two shots from outside the box that were both saved. The Dukes would go into the half trailing, 1-0.

JMU wasted little time getting back into the match in the second half, as Aïmy Diop fired off a shot in the 49^th minute. Hannah Coulling then tied the match in the 51^st minute with her third goal of the game, as Diop crossed a pass into the box where Amanda Attanasi redirected the pass with her head and Coulling then fired the shot before the ball would even hit the turf.

The Dukes then took the lead in the 56^th minute on Amanda Sevcsisin's first career goal. Sevcsisin dribbled down the sideline about 15 yards from the box and fired a shot that would get pass Morgan Hairston in goal to give JMU a 2-1 lead.

The Dukes then added an insurance goal in the 78^th minute to take a 3-1 lead, as Ginger Deel scored her first goal of the season. Deel would find herself in the upper right corner of the box and would fire in a left-footed shot past a diving Hairston to give the Dukes some breathing room for the final 12 minutes of the contest. JMU would hold on and keep the 3-1 score intact for the win.

Game Notes

Hannah Coulling is now a goal away from tying her single season career-high that she set her sophomore year.
Amanda Attanasi and Aïmy Diop were credited with assists on Coulling's goal, their first of their respected JMU careers.
JMU held a 10-4 advantage on shots on goal, and took both corner kicks in the game.

Quoting Head Coach Joshua Walters, Sr.
"Absolutely thrilled for this result because it was one of the tough on the road results that you have to grind out that helps shape the character of a team. Credit to High Point, they are a good side and well coached. I thought our seniors really led us today to victory."

Up Next
The Dukes return home on Thursday, Sept. 16 and will host nationally ranked West Virginia. The match is scheduled for 7 p.m.