Trio of First-Half Goals Propel Dukes to Season-Opening Win

Thursday, August 15

Villanova, Pa.

4 p.m.

James Madison University

1-0-0, 0-0-0

Villanova

0-1-0, 0-0-0

James Madison

Villanova

Trio of First-Half Goals Propel Dukes to Season-Opening Win

8/15/2024 8:23:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

VILLANOVA, Pa. – James Madison women's soccer scored early and used two additional first-half goals to create enough separation from the Villanova Wildcats to cruise to a 3-0 season-opening win on Thursday afternoon at the Higgins Soccer Complex in non-conference play.

The victory marked three straight years of season openers without a loss for the Dukes. Additionally, JMU has not fallen in four of its last five lid lifters.

Redshirt junior Ariana Reyes senior Shea Collins, and redshirt sophomore Brooke Potter were the goal scorers for the Dukes. Redshirt freshman Sofia DeCerb made her first career start, spending all 90 minutes in goal for JMU and recording three saves.

How It Happened

Villanova's Megan Donnelly took the first shot of the game in the 11th minute, which DeCerb deflected out of bounds.
After being awarded a free kick in the 17th minute, Reyes sent a shot to the top left corner of the net, just out of the goalie's reach for the match's first goal.
Later, Reyes attacked and broke free, sending a cross pass to Collins who finished to make it 2-0 JMU.
Towards the end of the first period, a shot off the goalpost by redshirt senior Lexi Vanderlinden was found by Potter who capitalized to give the Dukes a 3-0 advantage heading into the break.
JMU kept the pressure on in the second half, as five Dukes got off shots and threatened to extend the margin.
The Wildcats took shots on the goal in the 49th and 66th minutes, both saved by DeCerb.

Quick Facts

JMU nearly doubled up Villanova on shots, 12-7.
Potter's goal was the first of her career, Vanderlinden's assist was the 16th.
This was the third time JMU played against Villanova to begin the season.

Quoting Head Coach Joshua Walters, Sr.
"That's a great start to our 2024 campaign. Very proud of the team's ability to apply the information we gave them as a staff. They focused on our DNA and being the protagonist with the ball. Next up we have a big instate challenge with Virginia Tech this Sunday at 7p. Hope to see JMU Nation out at Sentara to support this team for this big matchup."

Up Next
The Dukes welcome Virginia Tech to Sentara Park on Sunday, Aug. 18 for a 7 p.m. tilt. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.