Win Streak Snapped as Dukes Fall to NC State

Tuesday, September 14

Raleigh, N.C.

7 p.m.

James Madison University

4-2-0, 1-0-0

NC State

4-2-0, 0-1-0

James Madison

NC State

9/14/2021 9:20:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

RALEIGH, N.C. – The four-match winning streak of the James Madison men's soccer team was snapped Tuesday night as they fell to NC State, 2-1, at Dail Soccer Field/Track Complex.

The Dukes drop to 4-2 as the Wolfpack move to 4-2.

It was a defensive matchup to begin the match, with each team only taking two shots during the early going. A foul out in front of the 18-yard box on JMU set NC State up for a free kick that Jamie Smith would get over the wall of JMU players to give NC State a 1-0 lead in the 22^nd minute.

The Dukes continued looking for the equalizer in the second part of the half, but the teams would go into the locker rooms with NC State leading 1-0. JMU had advantages in shots (8-6), shots on goal (3-2), and corner kicks (2-1) in the first half.

NC State extended its lead over the Dukes within the first 10 minutes of the second half, as Smith scored his second goal off another free kick in the 55^th minute. JMU had a chance to cut into the deficit in the 65^th minute, but Ethan Taylor's shot from outside the box barely missed high of the goal. Axel Ahlander then had an opportunity in the 84^th minute off a cross to get JMU on the board, but a diving save would deny the chance.

Chay Strine was able to put the Dukes on the board, scoring his first career goal in the 90^th minute off a pass from Ahlander. The goal would be too late however, as the Wolfpack would let the seconds reel off the clock to take the game, 2-1.

Game Notes

JMU out shot NC State, 14-9, and have now out shot all six opponents this season.
The Dukes had a 5-2 advantage on corner kicks.

Quoting Head Coach Paul Zazenski
"There is no doubt that was a tough result for us tonight. I thought their keeper made some fantastic saves all game and they scored two very solid free kicks. We had a good amount of the ball, but just didn't finish in the big moments. That is just the way the game goes sometimes and credit to them for finding a win. We now will look to reset for Delaware on Saturday."

Up Next
The Dukes will remain on the road and head to Newark, Del. to take on the Blue Hens of Delaware on Saturday, Sept. 18. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.