MOBILE, Ala. – The Jaguars suffered their first loss of the season Friday, falling to James Madison in the Sun Belt Conference semifinals.
In a match where both defenses were on display, neither team could find the back of the net in the first half, despite four shots from South and three from JMU.
The teams continued to battle after halftime, and it was ultimately James Madison who broke the stalemate in the 69
th minute, with a goal from Sophia Verrecchia, her second of the season.
South Alabama continued to pressure the James Madison defense, adding nine shots in the second half. The Jaguars almost found the equalizer in the 81st minute off a shot from
Gabby Hollar, but the officials ruled the ball did not cross the goal line and was saved by JMU keeper Alexandra Blom.
The South Alabama attack was led by
Gracie Wilson,
Irene Campo and
Abby Jacobs, who totaled three shots each. South totaled 11 shots in the loss while the Dukes totaled seven.
Junior goalkeeper
Jaidy Gutierrez Campos faced seven shots on the night and made three saves while conceding a goal.
SCORING SUMMARY
- Sophia Verrecchia (assist by Lexi Vanderlinden) – 69th minute
QUOTABLE
Head Coach
Richard Moodie:
"I think we battled well tonight; we just came up short. We have been flawless all season and we lost for the first time tonight. I think the girls have shown they deserve a spot in the NCAA tournament."
NOTABLES
- South Alabama (16-1-3) suffered its first loss of the season.
- South was held scoreless for just the second time this season.
- Six Jags played all 90 minutes in the match.
- Only 15 Jags played in the match.
- South Alabama maintained possession for 55% of the match.
- South took nine corners compared to James Madison's three.
FOLLOW THE JAGS
For complete coverage of South Alabama soccer, follow the Jags on social media @SouthAlabamaSOC (Twitter), /SouthAlabamaJaguars (Facebook), @southalabamasoccer (Instagram) or visit the official home of South Alabama athletics at usajaguars.com.
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