Women’s Soccer Falls in Second Half at Virginia; Breaks Defensive Scoring Record

Thursday, September 1

Charlottesville, Va.

5 p.m.

James Madison University

3-1-1, 0-0-0

Virginia

5-0-0, 0-0-0

James Madison

Virginia

Women’s Soccer Falls in Second Half at Virginia; Breaks Defensive Scoring Record

9/1/2022 7:52:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – James Madison women's soccer fought to go into halftime scoreless, but ultimately fell to No. 5 Virginia in a 2-0 decision at Klöckner Stadium Thursday evening.

The Dukes lost their first match of the season to drop to 3-1-1 while Virginia improved to a 5-0 start to the season.

The Dukes notched a defensive program record in the match, as JMU finished a stretch of 429:52 without conceding a goal that went back to last season. JMU's first half shutout also marked the ninth consecutive half in which the Dukes shut out their opponent. Redshirt junior Alexandria Blom recorded five saves on seven shots, including four in the first half.

How It Happened

Blom made early saves on Virginia leading scorer Haley Hopkins, denying her in the second and third minute.
The Cavaliers' best chance in the first half came in the 43rd minute when a shot hit the right woodwork.
Blom turned away four shots in the first half to keep the match scoreless.
The Cavaliers broke through in the 47th minute on a penalty kick resulting from a handball in the box to take a 1-0 lead.
The lead was extended to 2-0 in the 84th minute on a rebound off a blocked shot.

Game Notes

The Dukes notched nine consecutive halves holding opponents scoreless.
JMU managed to hold Virginia scoreless in the first half for the second consecutive matchup.
Blom has averaged 6.33 saves per game in her first three starts.

Quoting Head Coach Joshua Walters, Sr.
"So proud of our team and our effort. To go 429 minutes of shutout soccer and set a JMU record is such an accomplishment at this historic program. We can't wait to get back on the field at home against Louisville."

Up Next
The Dukes will return home and face their second ACC foe of the week when they take on Louisville on Sunday, Sept. 4 at 1 p.m. at Sentara Park. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.