No. 8 Dukes Fall in Heartbreaker at Virginia

Tuesday, October 8

Charlottesville, Va.

7 p.m.

James Madison University

5-1-4, 1-0-1

Virginia

4-4-3, 1-2-2

James Madison

Virginia

10/8/2024 9:25:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – An own goal in the 90^th minute from No. 8 James Madison men's soccer was the difference maker as it dropped a heartbreaker to Virginia on Tuesday night at Klöckner Stadium.

The Dukes suffered their first setback of the season, as they dropped to 5-1-4 and had their nine-match unbeaten streak snapped. The Cavaliers improved to 4-4-3.

Redshirt senior Evan Southern paced the JMU offense with three shots. Junior Sebastian Conlon played all 90 minutes in goal and made three saves.

Quoting Head Coach Paul Zazenski
"To lose on an own goal with 50 seconds left was brutal. We had plenty of chances that just didn't drop. We have to learn and be better for Sun Belt play to finish out the year."

How It Happened

Virginia had the first shot in the 17^th minute and followed up with the first shot on goal of the match in the 25^th.
JMU had an opportunity in the 26^th minute, as Conlon intercepted a pass in the box and serviced out to redshirt senior Evan Southern out beyond mid pitch. Southern was able to stay onside and get behind the Virginia defenders and passed to sophomore Jeffrey Aguilar, firing a shot just out the box that went high.
The Dukes once again had a numbers advantage in the 39^th minute, as senior Balint Kocso capitalized on a Cavalier falling. JMU had a 2-on-1 advantage, but a slide tackle sent that ball across the sideline rather to an open Jordan McMillen.
In the 68^th minute, a handball was called on redshirt senior Chay Strine as Cesar Cordova attempted a shot just above the 18. A penalty kick was originally called, however it was overturned after review.
Virginia got on the scoreboard with 58 seconds remaining as a cross into the box was deflected off of a sliding Enrique Garcia Barelles into the net.

Quick Facts

The Dukes were held off the scoreboard for the first time since Aug. 25.
Shots were even between the two teams, with both teams taking 10 shots.
The shutout snapped a five-match streak for Evan Southern recording a point.

Up Next
The Dukes return home as they return to Sun Belt Conference play, hosting Coastal Carolina at Sentara Park on Saturday, Oct. 12 for a 7 p.m. kickoff.