Anshelm Goal Lifts Dukes to Double Overtime Win Over Virginia

Tuesday, September 21

Harrisonburg, Va.

7 p.m.

James Madison University

6-2-0, 2-0-0

Virginia

2-4-1, 0-2-0

Virginia

James Madison

Anshelm Goal Lifts Dukes to Double Overtime Win Over Virginia

9/21/2021 10:54:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison defender Melker Anshelm found himself at the right place at the right time, scoring in the 109^th minute to lift JMU over Virginia, 1-0, for the first time since 1980 on Tuesday night at Sentara Park.

The Dukes move to 6-2 while Virginia drops to 2-4-1. The win is JMU's first win over a Power Five and Atlantic Coast Conference school since a 1-0 victory against then-No. 1 Wake Forest on Sept. 17, 2019.

JMU controlled the tempo of the game, although Virginia fired off the first shot in the sixth minute. The Dukes outshot Virginia 8-2 through the first 45 minutes, and took all five corner kicks in the half. Luca Erhardt had a look on goal in the 15^th minute, getting past the Cavaliers' goalkeeper, but a save by the defender prevented JMU from scoring.

The Dukes continued their up tempo attack in the second half, as Clay Obara curled a shot in the 55^th minute right into the keeper's arms. It was one of 10 shots the Dukes took in the second half, as they continued to test the Virginia back line. The JMU back line on the other hand, continued to neutralize any threat from the Cavaliers only four shots entering the final 10 minutes of the second half. The teams would finish regulation scoreless and enter overtime.

In the first overtime period, the Dukes' defense did not allow a single UVA shot. JMU had their best opportunity after Rodrigo Robles was fouled in the 96^th minute just outside the 18-foot box. Tyler Clegg set up for the free kick, and nearly ended the game then as his shot curled right around the post.

The teams entered a second overtime period, as the play evened out. However, the Dukes were able to find the opportunity to push past Virginia. As they pressed the UVA defense, they forced their ninth corner kick of the match. Robles's kick would get knocked down towards Nate Corley who fired in a shot that was saved. The rebound was knocked over to Obara who tapped it to Anshelm, standing in front of the net, who knocked it in in the 109^th minute to send the Dukes home victorious, 1-0.

Game Notes

JMU outshot Virginia 24-7, and had 11 shots on goal.
The win snapped a 20-match winless streak against Virginia.
This is the fourth time the Dukes have shutout the Cavaliers.

Quoting Head Coach Paul Zazenski
"Tonight was a great night to be part of the program. Our guys were mentally locked in and created dangerous chances all night. We gave up a few chances in transition and set pieces, but overall, our back line was fantastic. We had an improved commitment to defending as an entire group, which is vital against a quality opponent. It was extra special to get the game winner for our great fans that came out to support us. Go Dukes!"

Up Next
The Dukes head to the road for the next three matches, beginning with a trip to North Carolina to face off against CAA foe Elon on Saturday, Sept. 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.