HARRISONBURG, Va. (JMU Athletics) – James Madison men’s soccer returned inside the United Soccer Coaches National Rankings for Division I after a three-week hiatus, reemerging at No. 21 the organization announced on Tuesday afternoon.

For the second consecutive year and third time in the last five seasons, the Dukes are off to an undefeated five-match start as they sit at 2-0-3 after shutout wins against then-No. 14 Georgetown and Liberty.

The Dukes utilized a 76th minute goal from graduate Aidan Melville to down the Hoyas, 1-0, before upending the Flames, 2-0, behind second half goals from redshirt senior Yanis Lelin and sophomore Luca Nikolai.

The backline for the Dukes has helped with the exceptional play, as the team ranks nationally first in shutout percentage (.800), tied for second in goals against average (0.400), fourth in save percentage (0.895) and is one of 24 teams undefeated.

After last week’s efforts, Nikolai was named an honorable mention to the TopDrawerSoccer National Team of the Week and senior Enrique Garcia Barelles was tabbed as the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Week.

— JMU Athletics —