Thursday, September 10
Lynchburg, Va.
6:00 PM ET
Liberty University
6-2-1, 0-0-0
1
vs
0
James Madison
2-4-1, 0-0-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Madison | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Liberty | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Late Goal Lifts Liberty Past JMU 1-0
9/10/2026 10:14:00 PM | Women's Soccer
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Halle Engle's tally in the 82nd minute was all that was needed in Liberty's (6-2-1) 1-0 shutout win over James Madison (2-4) at home on Thursday night. Goalkeeper Ainsley Leja recorded a season-high mark of six saves to secure the shutout.
JMU presented a physical challenge to Liberty, which was missing a key piece of its defense in its center back, Lauren Littleton. The Dukes held a 7-5 edge in shots at the conclusion of the first half, while each team recorded three shots on goal.
The two teams were eyeing a draw entering the final 10 minutes, a result the two teams have seen its last two meetings, three including a Liberty win in overtime in 2019.
Halle Engle broke through with eight minutes remaining. Fellow forward Margaret Garner trailed Engle, who was running with the JMU back line. Garner slipped a pass ahead of Engle, who just beat a charging goalkeeper for the go-ahead tally. JMU immediately challenged the goal, arguing for an offside call, but the call stood after a video review.
The Dukes managed a single shot attempt in the final eight minutes of the contest as the Lady Flames killed the clock to earn the victory.
Liberty improves to 4-0 at home this season and boosts its record to 4-8-2 all-time against JMU.
Scoring Summary
82' – Liberty – Halle Engle (3) – Margaret Garner
Lady Flames News & Notes
Up Next
Liberty (6-2-1) prepares to conclude its non-conference schedule hosting Old Dominion (2-4) on Sunday afternoon. The Lady Flames will honor 11 members of its 2026 senior class in a special pregame ceremony. Kick off is currently set for 1 p.m. from Osborne Stadium, streaming live on ESPN+.
JMU presented a physical challenge to Liberty, which was missing a key piece of its defense in its center back, Lauren Littleton. The Dukes held a 7-5 edge in shots at the conclusion of the first half, while each team recorded three shots on goal.
The two teams were eyeing a draw entering the final 10 minutes, a result the two teams have seen its last two meetings, three including a Liberty win in overtime in 2019.
Halle Engle broke through with eight minutes remaining. Fellow forward Margaret Garner trailed Engle, who was running with the JMU back line. Garner slipped a pass ahead of Engle, who just beat a charging goalkeeper for the go-ahead tally. JMU immediately challenged the goal, arguing for an offside call, but the call stood after a video review.
The Dukes managed a single shot attempt in the final eight minutes of the contest as the Lady Flames killed the clock to earn the victory.
Liberty improves to 4-0 at home this season and boosts its record to 4-8-2 all-time against JMU.
Scoring Summary
82' – Liberty – Halle Engle (3) – Margaret Garner
Lady Flames News & Notes
- Liberty wins its second game this season with a 1-0 final, previously topping VCU.
- The Lady Flames have recorded five shutouts this season. Leja has recorded three 90-minute shutouts, improving her career tally to 24.
- Liberty owns a 3-2-2 mark in their last seven contests against the Dukes.
- Leja (4-1-1) tied a season-high mark of six saves. Her season averages are now a 0.80 goals-against average and a .806 save percentage.
- Engle's game-winning goal on Thursday night was the 11th of her career and her third this season.
- Engle now leads the team with three goals. Two other Lady Flames, Margaret Garner (2g, 2a) and Avenly Monteith (2g, 2a), share season total marks of six with Engle (3g).
- Dani Gubbels made the start in place of Littleton, making the first start of her career.
- Five Lady Flames recorded 90-minute performances.
Up Next
Liberty (6-2-1) prepares to conclude its non-conference schedule hosting Old Dominion (2-4) on Sunday afternoon. The Lady Flames will honor 11 members of its 2026 senior class in a special pregame ceremony. Kick off is currently set for 1 p.m. from Osborne Stadium, streaming live on ESPN+.
Players Mentioned
F
/ Women's Soccer
F
/ Women's Soccer
D
/ Women's Soccer
GK
/ Women's Soccer
D
/ Women's SoccerTeam Stats
JMU
LU
Goals
0
1
Shots
13
11
Shots on Goal
6
6
Saves
5
6
Corners
4
6
Fouls
8
4
Scoring Plays
Halle Engle (3)
Assisted By: Margaret Garner
GOAL by LU Engle, Halle Assist by Garner, Margaret.
81:10
Game Leaders
fwd
Shots
1
SOG
1
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
2
SOG
2
Goals
0
Assists
1
Shots
3
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
1
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
0
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