Late Verrecchia Goal Leads Dukes to Draw with Maryland

Sunday, August 25

College Park, Md.

5 p.m.

James Madison University

1-1-2, 0-0-0

Maryland

1-1-2, 0-0-0

James Madison

Maryland

8/25/2024 9:31:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – A late goal by senior Sophia Verrecchia evened a competitive duel with Maryland, 1-1, earning James Madison women's soccer a draw on the road at Ludwig Field on Sunday afternoon.

Both teams move to 1-1-2 in 2024 with the draw. Neither side exceeded more than eighth shots in the match, with each goal arriving in the final ten minutes of play. Maryland's lone goal was netted by freshman midfielder Emily Lenhard in the 83^rd minute.

Redshirt freshman Sofia DeCerb made her fourth start in goal, playing all 90 minutes and making five saves, including a critical denial on a penalty kick in the 44^th minute. She has made five or more saves in back-to-back matches.

Quoting Head Coach Joshua Walters, Sr.
"It was a day for the two Sophia's. Our goalkeeper Sofia DeCerb had a strong performance and made gritty saves to keep us in it, and Sophia Verrecchia took our resiliency in the last few seconds to give us the draw. What a great response from Thursday's match."

How It Happened

The Terps tested JMU's backline early, getting off two quick shots in the 19th minute that were both saved by DeCerb.
Despite only taking one shot in the first period, the Dukes held the possession advantage and only allowed three shots until Maryland drew a penalty kick in the 44th minute.
Facing her second penalty kick on the season, DeCerb held her own and parried the shot back into JMU's possession to keep the match scoreless.
The Dukes began the second half controlling possession, allowing senior Amanda Attanasi to get off a shot that went just high in the 55th minute.
DeCerb made two more saves in the 61st and 76th minutes to keep it scoreless.
In the 83rd minute, Maryland drew a corner kick that Lenhard placed in the top right corner of the net to make it 1-0 Terps.
The Dukes continued to pressure the Terrapin defense as time winded down. In the 89th minute, junior Lizzie Gillen sent a pass from near midfield into the top of the box. Verrecchia emerged with possession around two Maryland defenders and booted the ball into the top right corner of her net for the equalizer to finish.

Quick Facts

Gillen's assist is the first of her career.

Up Next
JMU returns to Sentara Park on Thursday, Aug. 29th for another non-conference matchup with Kent State at 7:00 p.m. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.