HARRISONBURG, Va. (JMU Athletics) – A 26th minute goal from Fordham proved to be the game-winner in the James Madison men’s soccer season opener, as it fell, 1-0, on Thursday evening at Sentara Park as part of the Fairfield by Marriott Invitational.
The Dukes dropped to 0-1 for the first time since 2021, while Fordham moved to 1-0.
Sophomore Manuel Lolas led the attack for the Dukes, taking a career-high four shots out of the team’s 10. Graduate Joshua Moya spent the full 90 minutes in goal, making five saves.
Quoting Head Coach Paul Zazenski
“Overall it wasn’t the result we wanted but we are proud of the way we played tonight despite the scoreline. The guys battled and had chances throughout the match. Credit to Fordham as they are a veteran team that is hard to beat. We will reset and start planning for Gardner-Webb on Sunday.”
How It Happened
• The Rams created the first chance of the match, as a Thomas Gray shot was saved by Moya in the third minute.
• Fordham attempted a pair of shots in the 25th minute before finding the back of the goal in the 26th minute. Last season’s Atlantic-10 Midfielder of the Year Daniel D’Ippolito found Bennett Leitner with a through ball to get on the board.
• JMU found an opportunity in the 39th minute, as junior Jeffrey Aguilar hit the far post and redshirt freshman Smith Halloran’s shot off the rebound was saved.
• The two teams traded shots throughout the second half, with Fordham having a 5-4 advantage.
• Lolas had a good look at the goal in the 77th minute, but his shot sailed just north of the crossbar.
Quick Facts
• The teams committed 17 fouls each with a total of nine yellow cards.
• Fordham began its third straight season with a shutout.
• The Dukes were outshot 14-10 but were even at 5-5 in corner kicks.
• Cameron Arnold joined Lolas with multiple shots taken, firing off a pair.
Up Next
The Dukes will take on Gardner-Webb in the finale of the Fairfield by Marriott Invitational on Sunday, Aug. 24 with a 7 p.m. kickoff at Sentara Park.
— JMU Athletics —
