JMU wins physical game against Longwood

Chris Labzda / senior photographer Redshirt sophomore midfielder Andrew Walker looks for an open lane against Longwood Friday.

In a scrappy and aggressive opening game of the JMU Men’s Soccer Tournament, the undefeated Dukes plowed through the Longwood University Lancers 3-0 Friday night at the JMU Soccer Complex.

The goals came early for the No. 23-ranked Dukes. Ten minutes in, sophomore midfielder Mark Totten scored off a cross from junior midfielder Bobby Humphrey. Senior forward Denny Fulk increased the lead in the 35th minute when he found an empty net after crossing over the Lancers’ goalkeeper.

With the Lancers down 2-0 against a nationally ranked team in a hostile venue, the game took a more aggressive tone.

"There were a lot of unsportsmanlike tugs," junior defender Danny Sheridan said.

A number of tough tackles turned into yellow cards. A scuffle in front of the Longwood goal during the second half sent a Longwood player to the turf, writhing in pain.

"There were a lot of elbows and late tackles," Humphrey said. "When we retaliated, it took us out of what we wanted to do."

Sheridan added, "Longwood’s style was different than what we’re used to. Their late tackles disrupted our rhythm."

The Dukes’ goals against average, which ranks No. 13 in the nation at .42 goals per game, was unaffected by the physical game. Led by an experienced defense, the Dukes earned their fourth shutout in seven games.

"We aren’t surprised by the number of shutouts so far this year," Sheridan said. "We’ve got pretty much the same guys back from last year’s solid defense."

Humphrey said, "If we can keep the shutouts coming against CAA teams like Old Dominion, Virginia Commonwealth and William & Mary, then we’ll really be impressed."

Colonial Athletic Association play begins Friday.

Projected in the preseason to finish fifth in the CAA by the conference’s coaches, the Dukes have overtaken all but No. 22 ODU in national polls.

"We’re ready for CAA play," Humphrey said. "But any team that has the success that we’ve seen has a bull’s-eye on its back. We’re not used to that."

Sheridan said, "It’s nice to have this momentum entering conference play. We’re good when things are going well but in the past when we lost a game, it tended to have a snowball effect on our confidence."

The Dukes are sure, however, that this year’s team will not be a slave to momentum.

"We’re a more mature team than last year," sophomore midfielder Kurt Morsink said. "We are more confident in our game so a loss won’t disrupt us like it did last year."

The 7-0-0 Dukes look to maintain keel at home next Friday against the Towson University Tigers.