The Virginia Men’s Soccer team took down James Madison University on the road in Harrisonburg Monday night with a 3-1 victory, improving to 2-0-1 on the season.
With the exception of goals, the in-state foes mirrored each other on the stat sheet. Both teams had nine total shots, and while Virginia posted five saves and 18 fouls, JMU countered with four saves and 17 fouls of their own. JMU led the corner kick department 7-3.
Contrary to the stat line, Virginia controlled the entire game.
Eddie Opoku struck early in the first half to put the Cavaliers on the scoreboard in the 21st minute. He was fed a ball by Daniel Barir, attempted a shot that was blocked by JMU’s goalkeeper, then collected his own rebound and scored on his second attempt.
Later in the first half, a JMU penalty inside the goal-box led to a successful penalty kick from Sergi Nus which put Virginia up 2-0 going into the half.
The teams relinquished one goal each in the second half. Virginia’s Opoku found teammate Pablo Aguilar with a pass in front of the net to top off the team’s scoring night. The goal was Aguilar’s first on the season.
The Dukes struck late in the 89th minute with a successful penalty kick of their own.
UVa Head Coach George Gelnovatch was impressed with his team’s effort.
“That was as dominant a performance on the road, especially in state, that I can remember and I give our guys a lot of credit.”
Virginia is unbeaten against the Dukes in their last 18 matches.
Virginia looks to remain undefeated when they begin up ACC play on the road against Wake Forest this Saturday, September 10.
