HARRISONBURG, Va. – App State Soccer dropped its first match of Sun Belt play, and suffered its first defeat since the season opener, falling 3-1 at James Madison on Thursday at Sentara Park.
 
The setback snaps App State's (7-2-3, 2-1-1) program-record 10 match unbeaten streak. 
 
After a scoreless first 45 minutes, James Madison (5-5-1, 3-0-1) struck for three goals in the second half, including two from the Sun Belt Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Ginny Lackey, who has now scored in five consecutive matches.
 
Trailing 2-0, midway through the second stanza, Libby Bermingham was able to slice the deficit in half. Olivia Simonslotted a diagonal through ball towards the JMU end line and Walker Bristow was able to center it towards the six-yard box, where Bermingham was able to put it in the back of the net. 
 
The goal was Bermingham's sixth goal of the season, tying her with Ellie Garrison for the team lead. It's the first time since 2016 that a pair of App State teammates have each scored at least six goals in a season.
 
Makenna Kirk opened the scoring in the 48^th minute for JMU, delivering an upper 90 finish, which proved to be the game-winner. It marked the Mountaineers first deficit in a match since falling behind 1-0 against William & Mary on Aug. 30, before eventually coming back to win 2-1.
 
Lackey made it 2-0 with a goal in the 53^rd minute as she put home the rebound after App State goalkeeper Hanna Skogsfors punched away a Dukes' cross. Lacky completed her brace in the 65^th minute, responding just over a minute after Bermingham's goal.
 
James Madison held the shot advantage 9-4 overall and 5-1 in shots on target. Corner kicks were even at three apiece. 
 
Skogsfors made a pair of saves for the Mountaineers, while Bermingham led the way on offense with two shots. Center backs Lucy Harrington and Maddie Williams played all 90 minutes for App State.
 
The Mountaineers will be back in action on Oct. 8 when the team visits Georgia Southern at 5 p.m.
 
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