Late Goal by Hester Completes Comeback for Fourth Straight Win

Tuesday, September 28

Washington, D.C.

2 p.m.

James Madison University

8-2-0

George Washington

3-6-1

JMU

Late Goal by Hester Completes Comeback for Fourth Straight Win

9/28/2021 5:30:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After falling behind by two goals entering halftime, James Madison midfielder Connor Hester scored with 11 seconds remaining in regulation to complete the comeback and defeat George Washington, 3-2, on Tuesday afternoon at GW Soccer Field.

The Dukes now have their second four-match winning streak of the season and move to 8-2, while the Colonials fall to 3-6-1.

George Washington mounted a two-goal lead early on in the match, striking twice within the first 12 minutes. The Colonials scored first in the sixth minute, stealing the ball after it dribbled away from a diving Martin Leu to get a 1-0 lead. A penalty kick in the 12^th minute was then converted for a 2-0 lead.

The Dukes took four of the six corner kicks in the opening period as the teams entered halftime with the hosts leading 2-0.

The two-goal lead did not hold for long as the second half got underway. In the 47^th minute, Axel Ahlander crossed in a pass near the six-foot box where Clay Obara then drew the goalkeeper out before passing it to Luca Erhardt who fired it into the back of the net.

JMU had an uptick in their offensive attack in the second half, firing more than double as many shots in the second half than they did in the opening period. That aggressiveness was key for the Dukes getting back in the game, as Erhardt was fouled in the box in the 69^th minute. Moments later he'd convert the penalty kick to tie the match, 2-2.

The Dukes continued to push against the Colonials' back line as the end of regulation came closer and closer, but were able to break through in dramatic fashion. Tyler Clegg fired a long pass from near the opposite box that Obara was able to chase down and keep in bounds near the corner on the JMU offensive side of the field. Obara then dribbled down the end line, passing it off to Hester who was able to find the back of the net with 11 seconds remaining to give JMU a 3-2 lead. The final seconds would run off the clock, with JMU holding on for the victory.

Game Notes

Luca Erhardt is now a goal away from 50 goals in his collegiate career.
After getting outshot 7-3 by George Washington in the opening period, JMU outshot the Colonials 10-4 in the second half.
The Dukes have taken 10 or more shots in every game so far this season.
It is only the sixth time in the last 25 matches JMU has given up two or more goals.

Quoting Head Coach Paul Zazenski
"The first half we were a shell of ourselves and GWU was all over us in every sense. The second half we responded with energy and belief. This group remained positive despite being down early and started to play more of our brand as the game went on. Proud of the response shown and happy to be leaving with a win."

Up Next
The Dukes are off for the next week before going on the road to northern Maryland where they will face off against Mount St. Mary's on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.