Historic Season Comes To Close in Heartbreaking 3-2 OT Loss To JMU

Sunday, November 3

Newark, Del.

1 p.m.

University of Delaware

12-7

#6 James Madison

9-11-1

JMU

Delaware

Photo by: Mark Jordan

Historic Season Comes To Close in Heartbreaking 3-2 OT Loss To JMU

11/3/2019 4:00:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

NEWARK, Del. – A magical, historic season for the University of Delaware women's soccer program came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday afternoon in the CAA semifinals.

The Blue Hens, who were playing in the CAA semifinals for just the third time in program history, dropped a tough 3-2 overtime decision to the sixth-seeded JMU at Stuart and Suzanne Grant Stadium.

Sophomore Sara D'Appolonia and junior Riley Dixon both found the back of the net for the Blue Hens, while sophomore Kamryn Stablein had a season-high 11 saves to lead the defensive effort.

D'Appolonia would get the scoring started early in the first half by gathering a JMU turnover and sliding one past a diving keeper for a 1-0 lead in just the seventh minute.

JMU would answer six minutes later with a goal of their own, but a long outlet pass from Dani Kabat led to Dixon's first goal of the year to grab a 2-1 advantage for Delaware.

Stablein's outstanding play in goal would keep the Blue Hens in front until the final two minutes when the Dukes were able to slide the game-tying goal into the back of the net and send the game into overtime.

Delaware, who was playing in their seventh OT of the year, would nearly get a game-winner from D'Appolonia midway through the 10-minute period, but a sprawaling save kept it tied at 2-2.

As time-winded down in the first OT, JMU would earn a corner and would convert with just seven seconds left on the clock to advance to the CAA championship for the second straight year.

The Blue Hens conclude the year with the highest CAA finish in program history, the third most total wins and second most shutouts in a season.

What They Said

"There's never a good way to end your season, unless it's holding a trophy, so obviously I feel for these kids. That being said, I couldn't be prouder of the character of this team. They are fighters, they are blue collar and I really believe that they play with love in their hearts for the game and their team. People who aren't afraid to be vulnerable and put themselves out there, that's something to be celebrated. That openness and courage to try and create change, that is the type of character traits that will take them a long way in this world. I love this group and I'm proud of them." – head coach Mike Barroqueiro