JMU Wins Off of Overtime Header from Reyes

Sunday, September 19

Harrisonburg, Va.

1 p.m.

James Madison University

3-5-1, 0-0-0

ECU

4-6-0, 0-1-0

East Carolina

James Madison

9/19/2021 5:12:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison midfielder Ariana Reyes headed in a goal off of a corner kick with 29 seconds remaining in the second overtime period to give JMU the 1-0 win over East Carolina on Sunday afternoon at Sentara Park.

The Dukes move to 3-5-1 as they head into Colonial Athletic Association play, while ECU falls to 4-6.

The game began with ECU on the offensive attack, firing off all five shots through the first 20 minutes of the match. The Dukes then got their first shot off in the 23^rd minute off the foot of Mia Pham. The Dukes had an early opportunity to get on the board firing off three shots in the span of 52 seconds, but two were blocked and one sailed high.

The teams would head into the locker room tied at zero, with JMU turning the offensive approach around in the latter part of the half and outshooting ECU 9-7.

JMU continued their offensive approach and shutdown defense in the second half, as they outshot the Pirates 8-2. The Dukes had their best scoring opportunity during regulation in the 79^th minute when a cross landed in front of Hannah Coulling at the top of the box and fired a shot that hit the post. Each team was only able to get off a shot during the remaining time in regulation, as the teams would head to overtime still scoreless.

In the first overtime period, both teams fought hard on both fronts trying to gain an advantage on the other. ECU seemed to find that advantage in the 99^th minute, when a foul was called on the Dukes inside the box to set up a penalty kick. Alexandra Blom came up with the biggest of her season-high nine saves though, preventing ECU from getting on the board and helping to force a second overtime period.

The Pirates took over the second overtime period, manufacturing plays and sets to try and give them the win. The Dukes' defense held strong throughout and finally found their chance to break through in the 110^th minute. After forcing a corner kick, Reyes found the ball coming in from Ebony Wiseman and was set perfectly to head the ball in to give JMU the 1-0 win.

Game Notes

JMU outshot ECU 21-14.
The Dukes had an 8-3 advantage on corner kicks.
Hannah Coulling fired a career-high five shots.
JMU saved 10 shots, the most the team has had since 10 against Hofstra on Oct. 10, 2019. Alexandra Blom had all 10 in that match, compared to nine today.

Quoting Head Coach Joshua Walters, Sr.
"Yes, yes, yes! What an amazing gutsy win. All the credit goes to these players for fighting and finding a way to win! So happy for them."

Up Next
The Dukes have the week off before hitting the road to begin CAA play at Drexel on Sunday, Sept. 26 for a 1 p.m. kickoff.