University of Delaware Athletics
University of Delaware
James Madison (Final)
Delaware Falls to James Madison 1-0 in Colonial Athletic Association Championship Game, Dukes Advance to NCAA Tournament
11/16/2014 3:41:00 PM | Men's Soccer
NEWARK, Del. – Despite being on the offense attack throughout much of the game, the University of Delaware men's soccer team unable to score a goal and fell to James Madison 1-0 Sunday in the Colonial Athletic Association Championship game at Stuart and Suzanne Grant Stadium.
James Madison (10-7-3, 3-3-2 CAA) got on the board at the 20:47 mark of the first half on a Connor Coward goal. Coward 
was put into position to score by an accurate pass from Steven Mashinski, who was credited with an assist on the score.
That goal proved to be enough as the Dukes were able to hold on and secure the victory.
Ian HennessyJames Madison's Daniel Simpson was selected the tournament's Most Outstanding Performer, while Borja Barbero (below right), Joe Dipre (at left), and Carlos Perales received All-Tournament accolades for the Blue Hens.
UD (13-6-1, 5-2-1 CAA) outshot James Madison 10-8 and controlled the offensive tempo, but timely clears and physical defensive play from JMU kept the Blue Hens off the scoreboard.
Kyle Nuel and Dipre led the Blue Hens with two shots each, while Coward, Jamal Umar, and Eric Schmidt led the way for the Dukes with two shots.
With the win, the Dukes earned the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and became the first No. 6 team to ever win the CAA.
James Madison defeated the first, second, and third teams in the CAA Tournament to earn its fifth CAA Championship.
The Dukes did not allow a goal in the postseason and have not allowed their opposition to score in the last five games.
“I still believe that when we are healthy, we can be a top 10 team in the country,” said Hennessy. "I reminded the seniors after the game, that today's feelings will dampen some over time, and the enduring sentiment will be one of accomplishment.
"The graduating class is large and the program, facilities and crowds they leave behind looks nothing like what was when they first came to this University, in part because of their commitment and energy," said Hennessy. "For this we are all grateful."
The Blue Hens will now have to rely on an at-large bid to gain entrance to the NCAA Tournament. The NCAA selections will take place Monday at 1 p.m.
