Box Score Box Score

Northeastern earned a crucial victory over the James Madison Dukes Friday at Parsons Field. The win improves the Huskies to 5-1-3 in the CAA and drops the Dukes to 5-3-1.

The Huskies dominated the first half, outshooting James Madison 11-2. The Dukes' Corky Julien earned the first shot on goal of the game, however, but the shot was saved by NU keeper Stephanie Gordon. Strong offense continued from the Huskies as the period progressed and it paid off in the 18th minute. With the ball in the Dukes' end, Greta Samuelsdottir ripped a shot at JMU keeper Diane Wszalek that Wszalek saved but fumbled. Liza Rebello tapped in the loose ball to give the Huskies the 1-0 lead. Although the pressure continued from Northeastern, the period ended with just the one goal.

The second half showed a far more impressive Dukes' squad. They came out firing, keeping the ball in the Huskies end and aiming numerous chances at Gordon. It wasn't until the pressure eased up that Sandra Magnusdottir was able to play the ball out past midfield and find a streaking Devin Petta down the middle. Petta took a few touches before blasting her 12th goal of the season past Wszalek.

The goal gives Petta 30 points on the season which ties her with former Huskies, Keri Irwin's 1996 mark for most points in a single season.

Despite the 2-0 disadvantage, the Dukes were still playing strong. In all, they posted 11 shots on the period with five on goal. The Huskies had only five shots in the second frame.

Just four minutes after Petta's tally, JMU found an opening. Teresa Rynier found Ashley Flateland in the corner and Flateland dribbled through the defense toward the middle. Before she reached the post, she curved a perfectly placed shot into the opposite side of the net.

With the 2-1 advantage the Huskies played conservatively, passing up chances for time off the clock. After a frantic final few minutes, time expired and Northeastern came away with the victory.

The Huskies will next play on Sunday as they host Virginia Commonwealth University at Parsons Field at 1 p.m.