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HARRISONBURG, Va. --  The Ohio soccer team (2-3-2) lost to James Madison (3-2-3) by a score of 1-0. In a largely defensive battle, the Dukes were able to prevail after a 53rd minute goal. This was the first matchup between the two programs after last year's match was canceled. 

The first half was a defensive clash. Both teams struggled to get things going offensively with junior Scout Murray (Chicago, Ill.) recording the Bobcats lone shot. The Ohio defense continued to impress limiting the Dukes to just one shot as well. 

While each team was only able to record one shot respectively, the Bobcats accumulated three corner kicks. On the other end, James Madison amassed two. Heading into the break, the game was scoreless. 

Both teams came out of the halftime break looking to find a spark on the offensive side of the field. The Dukes were able to get things moving, recording the games first and second shots on goal. However, as she has done for much of this season, sophomore goalkeeper Celeste Sloma (Columbus, Ohio) was able to make two saves in quick succession. 

James Madison kept the pressure on the Bobcats defense and finally broke through in the 53rd minute. The Dukes' right-footed shot found the bottom right corner, beating Sloma to put James Madison up 1-0. 

The Bobcats continued to struggle offensively in the second half. Sophomore Ella Deevers (Streetsboro, Ohio) added Ohio's lone shot of the second half, but it missed the frame. On the other hand, James Madison put a lot of pressure on the Bobcats defense. The Dukes had a total of eight shots on target in the second half and 14 shots in the second half. Sloma was able to make seven saves, but the Dukes' 53rd minute goal served as the game-winner. 

Ohio totaled two shots, none on goal, and three corner kicks. James Madison had 15 shots, eight of which were on target, and six corners. 

Up Next: 
The Bobcats will have an 11-day break before beginning conference play. The MAC season will start with Kent State coming to town on Thursday, Sept. 21. The game will be played at Chessa Field and will kick off at 4 p.m.

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