Elon Women’s Soccer Falls to James Madison, 3-1

ELON, N.C. – The Elon University women’s soccer team fell behind by three goals in the first 26 minutes and were defeated by the James Madison Dukes, 3-1, on Sunday, Sept. 25, at Rudd Field.

BOX SCORE

“Friday was a thrilling victory, but it was physically and emotionally draining,” said head coach Chris Neal. “We have to find a way to start games on Sundays with more energy. JMU looked like they wanted to win more than us in the first half.”

Kennedy Little’s first-career goal in the 84th minute got Elon on the board with just over six minutes remaining. The Phoenix falls to 5-5-1 overall and 1-1 in the CAA with the loss. James Madison improves its record to 4-7 overall and 1-1 in conference play.

HIGHLIGHTS
The Dukes got on the board first in the 15th minute Kylie Hegemier’s cross sailed out of the reach of Taylor Mohr and into the top left corner to give JMU a 1-0 lead. Just over seven minutes later, Sydney Braun-McLeod beat a defender and fired a shot into the top left corner at the 21:00 mark to create a two-goal cushion for the Dukes.

Steffi Page capped off James Madison’s three-goal flurry in the first 26 minutes with a goal in the 26th minute. After Haley Crawford’s initial shot was saved by Mohr, Page followed up on a rebound to give the Dukes a 3-0 lead at halftime.

The Phoenix got on the board with six minutes remaining off a set piece. After Amanda Lasater’s free kick was punched out by JMU goalkeeper Hannah McShea, Alexis de Groot redirected the ball to Little, who then scored on a header to cut the deficit in the 84th minute. The Dukes would hold on for the 3-1 victory to close out the CAA opening weekend.

UP NEXT
Elon closes out the non-conference portion of its schedule on Thursday, Sept. 29, at Rudd Field against South Carolina State at 7 p.m. The Phoenix will then continues CAA play with a road contest at William & Mary on Sunday, Oct. 2.