MONROE, La. – The ULM soccer team (7-4-1, 1-1-1) remains at home for its second match in a three-game homestand vs. James Madison (5-3-2, 3-0). The Warhawks are looking to capture a win over the Dukes after they posted their first draw of the season vs. the Ragin' Cajuns, 2-2.
SERIES HISTORY –
This is the second meeting between the Dukes and the Warhawks. The first meeting between the two teams was last season, when they tied 1-1 in Harrisonburg, Va. on Oct. 5. This will be the first time James Madison travels to Monroe in the series.
SCOUTING THE DUKES –
James Madison is looking to continue with its four-game winning streak and unbeaten record in the Sun Belt. Most recently, the Dukes beat Old Dominion on Sunday, 3-2. James Madison has claimed five Sun Belt Player of the Week awards this season, including this week. Forward Ginny Lackey was awarded Offensive Player of the Week, having scored in four consecutive matches. The Dukes were selected to finish second in the Sun Belt preseason coaches poll.
LAST TIME OUT –
MONROE, La. – The ULM soccer team took a 2-2 tie with the Ragin' Cajuns on Sunday evening.
The Ragin' Cajuns got started almost immediately, hitting the back of the net in the seventh minute for the 1-0 lead. After trading possession back and forth for twenty minutes, the Warhawks found the equalizer in Janne Van Brummelen, who got a free kick in the back of the net. Both teams continued to fight for the lead, but the Ragin' Cajuns took it in the 41st minute, solidifying the 2-1 lead at the half.
In the 65th minute, Jensyn Lins was able to knock the equalizer in the back of the net for the Warhawks, making it a 2-2 tie. This was Lins' second goal of the season and of her career. She was assisted by Mara Grutkamp, her third of the season and 21st of her career. The final 25 minutes was a fight to score the game-winner, but neither team was able to hit the back of the net.
The Warhawks led the Ragin' Cajuns in shots, 11-9 and saves, 4-2. Grutkamp led the team in another match with three shots, two being on target. Jennifer Handy claimed four saves in the match with her first tie of her career.
TIED UP WITH A BOW –
On Sunday evening, the Warhawks posted their first tie of the season vs. the Ragin' Cajuns. This has been a stark difference from the 2023 season, where the team posted eight draws, the first coming at Tarleton State on Aug. 17. ULM soccer finished conference play with five ties in 2023, ending their season with three consecutive draws.
SPREADING THE WEALTH –
13 different Warhawks have scored a goal over the first nine matches of the season and 14 have earned points. In the Aug. 15 season opener vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, seven different ULM players scored a goal. Mara Grutkamp leads the pack with 11 points. The lone freshman to factor into points is Beth Strutton, earning two points in her first career goal vs. Grambling State.
FOLLOW THE WARHAWKS –
Friday's match will be streamed on ESPN+ and live stats will be available. Links to live stats and video streams for all matches, when available, can be found at ULMWarhawks.com.
LOOKING AHEAD –
Next up, ULM soccer will complete their three-game homestand by taking on Arkansas State on Thursday. Kickoff in Monroe will be at 7 p.m.