Dukes Unable to Topple Mountaineers

Thursday, September 16

Harrisonburg, Va.

7 p.m.

James Madison University

2-5-1, 0-0-0

West Virginia

5-2-1, 0-0-0

West Virginia

James Madison

9/16/2021 10:34:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

HARRISONBURG, Va. — James Madison was able to get on the board via an own goal in the second half, but it wasn't enough to overcome the two-goal deficit as they fell to No. 15 West Virginia, 2-1, Thursday night at Sentara Park.

The Dukes fall to 2-5-1 now as WVU moves to 5-2-1.

JMU fell into an early hole, as a WVU long shot a minute and 20 seconds into the match just barely found itself past an outstretched Alexandra Blom and into the net for a 1-0 lead. The Dukes were able to match the WVU play for the remainder of the half, getting off their first shot in the 23^rd minute. The two teams would be nearly matched in shots and corner kicks heading into the break, with WVU having advantages of 4-3 and 3-2, respectively.

The second half started off like the first half almost to the second, as WVU scored a second goal a minute and 21 seconds into the half for a 2-0 lead.

The Dukes were able to get on the board in the 77^th minute after a JMU throw in found its way into the box and there was a mass scramble for the ball. Amanda Attanasi fired in a shot towards the goal that the Mountaineers' defender tried to head away, but instead went into their net for an own goal. JMU now was a goal closer to tying the match at 2-1.

With time still left on the clock, the WVU defense anchored their back line down. The Dukes had their best chance for an equalizer in the 86^th minute with a perfect through ball to set up the offense, but an offsides call would neutralize the threat. WVU would hold on for the 2-1 victory.

Quoting Head Coach Joshua Walters, Sr.
"Hats off to West Virginia for those two finishes from distance. We fought hard against the No. 15 team in the country and showed some quality. There were some very good performances on our team as we continue to get better every week."

Up Next
The Dukes will wrap up their non-conference slate with a Sunday matinee with East Carolina on Sept. 19. The matchup will be played at Sentara Park with a 1 p.m. kickoff.