HARRISONBURG, Va. – Closing out a five-game road stretch, the American University field hockey team came up short in a 1-0 loss to James Madison on Wednesday evening.

With the loss, the Eagles fell to 7-6 on the season, while the Dukes improved to 9-4 overall.

JMU got on the board eight minutes into the contest, with a penalty corner setting up the Dukes' score. While the Eagles had a slight 4-3 advantage in shots taken in the first half, American was unable to get in the net, heading into the intermission with a 1-0 deficit.

After the break, both teams were even with six shots each, but strong defense on both sides of the field prevented any more scores. AU had a prime scoring opportunity with just over six minutes remaining in the contest, but the ball hit the post, as the Eagles were held scoreless for just the second time this season.

“We played a hard-fought game tonight against an excellent JMU team and unfortunately came away on the wrong side of a 1-0 scoreline,” said American head coach Steve Jennings. “The game was very even and exciting throughout. They were able to capitalize on one of their chances, while we were maybe a post away from being able to tie it up and force overtime.

“I feel very positive about a lot of the plays that we strung together today. We're looking forward to rebounding against a strong opponent in Colgate this weekend.”

The Eagles return home for their next contest, hosting Patriot League foe Colgate on Saturday, Oct. 18, at noon. AU will celebrate Senior Day, honoring the four members of its senior class in a special pre-game ceremony.