Back-and-Forth Match at American Ends in a Draw for the Dukes

Tuesday, October 11

Washington, D.C.

2 p.m.

James Madison University

4-6-2, 0-2-1

American

5-3-4, 3-1-1

James Madison

American

Back-and-Forth Match at American Ends in a Draw for the Dukes

10/11/2022 5:19:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

WASHINGTON, D.C. – James Madison wrapped up its non-conference slate by trading goals with American before ultimately drawing, 2-2, at Reeves Field in men's soccer action on Tuesday afternoon.

The Dukes move to 4-6-2 while the Eagles are now 5-3-4. It is the fifth consecutive draw between the two squads in the all-time series.

Redshirt senior Tyler Clegg and redshirt junior Clay Obara scored for the Dukes. Freshman Sebastian Conlon made three saves in goal.

How It Happened

American had an opportunity when Jerry Zouantcha made a run into the box and was able to get the ball past a diving Conlon. Clegg was standing right on the goal line though and sent the ball back out into the field.
JMU got the scoring started in the 24^th minute with the second corner kick of the match. Redshirt sophomore Yanis Lelin sent the kick right towards the far post where Clegg sat and easily chest the ball right into the goal for a 1-0 lead.
In the 29^th minute, the Dukes had a pair of chances to double their lead when freshman Kevin Larsson crossed the ball into the box. Redshirt junior Evan Southern was all alone and attempted to head the ball in that a diving Dominic Dominguez dove to save. Southern quickly gathered the rebound and attempted another shot that Dominguez saved as well while laying on the ground.
The Dukes took a 1-0 lead into halftime, the first time this season they led after the first 45 minutes of play.
The Eagles had a chance to equalize in the 52^nd minute, as Nicholas Shirley attempted a header inside the six-foot box. Conlon dove to his left and tipped the ball that then ricocheted off the post straight back to him.
The host finally tied the match in the 67^th minute on a rebounded shot. Nevin Bear took a shot that a diving Conlon got a glove on, but deflected in an angle towards the post before rebounding past the goal line.
JMU responded 10 minutes later to retake the lead 3-2. Redshirt sophomore Ethan Taylor gathered the ball in the middle of the field about 25 yards out and crossed it in where freshman Cameron Arnold received the ball just wide of the six-foot box. Arnold then took one touch and passed it to Obara who was waiting in front of the goal to tap in his second goal of the season.
Playing a man down in the final 4:25 of play, American found a way to tie the match. With just under two minutes left, the Eagles were rewarded a penalty kick after a handball inside the box. Robbie Matei fired in the goal to tie the match at two.

Quoting Head Coach Paul Zazenski
"The guys played well today against a good American side who is unbeaten in the last five matches. We were disappointed to not get the win though as we felt like it was right there for the taking. Going down a man and then giving up a hand ball PK late in the match was difficult, but we still walked away with a point on the road. We will take it and look to recover for our trip to Georgia Southern.

Up Next
It will be a short turnaround for the Dukes, as they will take on Georgia Southern in Statesboro, Ga. on Friday, Oct. 14. The match is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.