Dukes Fall to No. 3 Virginia on Sunday

Sunday, September 5

Harrisonburg, Va.

3 p.m.

James Madison University

1-5-0, 0-0-0

Virginia

6-0-0, 0-0-0

Virginia

James Madison

9/5/2021 7:13:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

HARRISONBURG, Va. – The James Madison women's soccer team fell to Virginia, 2-0, as they wrapped up the Fairfield by Marriott Invitational on Sunday afternoon at Sentara Park.

The Dukes drop to 1-4 while the number three team in the country moves to 6-0.

The Cavaliers started the game out aggressive, firing three shots and forcing a corner kick in the first 10 minutes of the match. Virginia kept the pressure on the Dukes, continuing to force shots and setting up corner kicks. The JMU defense did not back down however, holding their own throughout the first half. UVA had two shots seven seconds apart in the 17^th minute, but both were off target.

The Dukes were able to get their first shot of the match in the 35^th minute, as Alma Fernández Almagro missed high. Even with UVA having sharp advantages in the shots and corner kicks categories, the two teams would head into half scoreless.

Virginia continued its approach in the second half, and didn't wait long to get on the board. A cross into the center of the box in the 53^rd minute was sent into the goal to put UVA up 1-0. They then would add another goal in the 61^st minute on a header to take a 2-0 lead.

The JMU defense stood strong for the rest of the half, limiting the scoring opportunities the Cavaliers were attempting to make, but the offense was able to find the back of the net and the contest ended 2-0 in favor of the visitors.

Game Notes

After allowing seven corner kicks in the first half, JMU only allowed UVA to take two in the second half.
This was the highest-ranked opponent the Dukes have faced since welcoming No. 3 Maryland to Harrisonburg on Sept. 11, 2001
UVA is only the eighth top-three team that JMU has gone up against since 1996.

Quoting Head Coach Joshua Walters, Sr.
"What a great fight from our players today! I think Virginia is one of the best teams in the country and credit to our girls for getting us to a 0-0 score at half. These three ACC games (Louisville, Virginia Tech, Virginia) in a row are great for our preparation for CAA play."

Up Next
JMU heads to the road and will travel to face UNCG on Thursday, Sept. 9 in Greensboro, N.C. The match is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff.