CONWAY, S.C. (JMU Athletics) – Graduate Austin Rome netted a goal in the 71st minute to equalize James Madison men’s soccer as they finished the regular-season finale leveled, 1-1, with Coastal Carolina on Tuesday night at the CCU Soccer Complex.
The Dukes end the 2025 campaign at 1-10-5 (0-6-3 Sun Belt), while the Chanticleers head into the Sun Belt Conference tournament at 3-9-1 (2-6-1 Sun Belt).
Rome’s goal for the Dukes was his first career goal, scoring on a header off a set piece. Sophomore Erik Jaspers played 90 minutes in goal and made four saves.
Quoting Head Coach Paul Zazenski
“This season was difficult in many ways. Having an entirely new team against the toughest schedule in America proved to be a tough combo. Record aside, we were still relatively high in the RPI and were competitive in every game. Our guys never stopped working and fighting and we are proud of them for that. A special thanks to all the players who will be leaving the program. It wasn’t the season we envisioned but they still represented the program in a high regard both on and off the field.”
How It Happened
• Coastal Carolina created opportunities in the first half, including a ninth-minute shot that went off the crossbar.
• The shot by CCU capped a 1:22 burst from the hosts that included four shots and two corner kicks.
• JMU had its first shot on goal in the 26th minute, as junior Jeffrey Aguilar’s shot was knocked away.
• After heading into the halftime break scoreless, the Chanticleers took the lead in the 48th minute.
• The Dukes equalized in the 71st minute when a foul gave them a free kick opportunity. Sophomore Milo Wray serviced the ball into the box, where Rome connected in the middle of the box with his head into the net.
— JMU Athletics —
