HARRISONBURG, Virginia – No. 21 James Madison used a goal in each half to claim a 2-0 Colonial Athletic Association men's soccer victory over No. 13 UNCW in the regular season finale for both teams at Sentara Park on Friday evening.
The win elevated the Dukes' record to 5-0-1 overall and 4-0-0 in the CAA. UNCW, meanwhile, dropped to 5-2-2 overall and 2-1-1 in the CAA after its second straight setback.
James Madison took a 1-0 lead with 14:58 left in the first half when sophomore
Clay Obara sent a crossing pass into the box, which was headed in by junior Melker Anshelm.
The Dukes added to the advantage in the 56th minute as junior
Luca Erhardt converted a shot from just inside the penalty area past sophomore goalkeeper
Gabriel Perrotta.
Perrotta made one save in the loss for the Seahawks. Redshirt senior
T.J. Bush registered seven saves for the Dukes, who secured the South Division's top seed in next week's CAA Championship.
Game Notes:
- James Madison leads the all-time series by a 30-12-4 margin after claiming its second straight win over the Seahawks … In addition, the Dukes stand 17-2-4 all-time in games played in Harrisonburg.
- The Seahawks played a nationally-ranked opponent for the second time this season.
- UNCW had its 11-game CAA regular season unbeaten streak snapped … The Seahawks, who were 9-0-2 during the run, had not lost against a league opponent in regular season play since a 1-0 setback at Northeastern on Oct. 30, 2018.
- James Madison registered its fifth shutout in six games this season.
- UNCW registered 10 or more shots for the sixth time in nine games this year.
- Both teams were forced to play with 10 men for a portion of the match … UNCW played the final 44 minutes down a player after junior Athit Berg was issued a red card while James Madison was short a player when sophomore Rodrigo Robles Grajera was sent off in the 77th minute.
Up Next: The Seahawks' pursuit of their second CAA title begins on Thursday, Apr. 15, when they play in a semifinal contest at Drexel University's Vidas Field. UNCW's opponent and game time will be determined at the conclusion of this weekend's games.