HUNTINGTON, W. Va. (JMU Athletics) – James Madison men’s soccer (7-5-2, 4-1-1 SBC) eight-match unbeaten streak was snapped Wednesday as the Dukes fell to Marshall 1-0, surrendering a goal to the Thundering Herd in the 84th minute.
JMU was outmatched 11-6 in total shots, 4-3 in shots on goal and 9-2 in corner kicks over the course of 90 minutes. Four Dukes managed to record at least one shot as Christer Salvesen and Manuel Lolas led JMU with two apiece.
Chris Niblock and Brock Frasier also registered a shot each in the second half. In goal, Erik Jaspers made three saves while giving up his first goal since Sept. 27 and only his second goal allowed in conference play.
Quoting Head Coach Paul Zazenski
“Our guys battled tonight but came up a bit short,” Zazenski said. “The last 10 minutes of the match was a bit of a whirlwind but that is what happens in high level college soccer matches. We need to learn from this result and apply the next time out. We competed it just didn’t go our way tonight.”
How It Happened
• James Madison’s first real scoring opportunity came in the 14th minute when Salvesen blasted a ball on the ground that was scooped up by Marshall’s goalkeeper.
• Jaspers blew up an opportunistic Marshall attack in the 54th minute, making a diving save to his left, making contact with his fingertips to send the ball out play and keep the score level.
• In the 83rd minute, Håkon Rake set up Niblock on the near wing as the third year midfielder got going on a breakaway and poked one just underneath the crossbar. However, the goal was disallowed due to offsides.
• A few moments later, Adam N’Goran blasted a shot at Jaspers that skipped off the mitts and trickled into the back of the net, turning the tide of the match to Marshall’s favor.
• In the final seconds of the match, Niblock had a chance to equalize but blew the shot wide.
Game Notes
• James Madison suffers its first loss of the season in Sun Belt play and first defeat since Sept. 7.
• The Dukes were limited to just six shots and four shots on goal, both season low marks.
• The Dukes still lead the Sun Belt with 13 points as the likes of Marshall, No. 18 South Carolina and No. 25 West Virginia all hold 11 points after Wednesday’s results.
Up Next
James Madison returns to Sentara Park to face Kentucky at 6 p.m. Sunday.
— JMU Athletics —
