HARRISONBURG, Va. (JMU Athletics) – In its 2025 home opener, James Madison women’s soccer’s two first half goals weren’t enough to put away Liberty as it finished with a 2-2 draw on Sunday night at Sentara Park.
The draw moves both teams to a 1-0-1 record on the season. Ellie Farrell and Jeanette Fieldsend netted goals for the Dukes, both scoring for the first time this season.
Selma Rajakangas and Ginny Lackey both recorded their second assists in as many matches to start the season, respectively aiding in Farrell’s and Fieldsend’s goals.
Sofia DeCerb handled goalkeeper duties for JMU, playing all 90 minutes and making four saves.
Quote from Head Coach Joshua Walters, Sr.
“That was a competitive Sunday game where both teams had moments. We will definitely take a lot out of that one to make us better. First weekend scoring five goals is a great start to the season.”
How it Happened
• Liberty wasted no time getting on the board, scoring on its first shot of the game from Avenley Monteith in the fifth minute.
• The Dukes equalized moments later, as Farrell netted a ninth minute goal off a cross from Rajakangas in the ninth minute,
• In the 24th minute, Fieldsend broke free and sent a shot through the right side to put JMU ahead 2-1.
• After going into the halftime break trailing, the Flames found their equalizer in the 62nd minute as Ivy Garner put a rebounded shot off of DeCerb in the back of the net.
• Each side had chances to take the lead in the final seven minutes of play but JMU’s one shot and LU’s two shots all were off target.
Quick Facts
• The last time these two teams tied was in the 2021 spring season where the match ended in a 1-1 draw after two overtimes in Harrisonburg.
• Fieldsend’s goal was the fourth of her career and her first since 2023 after missing last season with an injury.
Up Next
The Dukes hits the road for the next two matches, first traveling to Georgetown on Thursday, Aug. 21 with a 7:30 p.m. scheduled kickoff.
— JMU Athletics —
