WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Jack Ward’s goal 10 minutes into the second half proved to be the difference as UNCW edged visiting James Madison, 1-0, in Colonial Athletic Association men’s soccer action on Saturday at the UNCW Soccer Stadium.

The Seahawks, who avenged a pair of overtime losses to the Dukes last season, improved to 6-4-1 overall and 2-1 in the CAA. The Dukes, meanwhile, dropped to 4-6-1 and remained winless in the league at 0-3.

On the game’s lone goal, junior Jamie Dell broke down the left flank and sent a high cross into the penalty area. Ward beat his defender to the loose ball and knocked it inside the right post at the 54:24 mark.

For Dell, it was his team-leading fourth assist of the season. Both of Ward’s goals this season have been game-winners, including the lone goal in a win over College of Charleston earlier in the season.

The Seahawks outshot the Dukes, 10-2, including a 6-0 advantage in the first half.

UNCW sophomore goalkeeper Sam Williams posted his second shutout in five starts. Williams finished with two saves, both at point blank and kept the Seahawks in front.

JMU played the final 85:10 after an early red carded reduced them to 10 players.

Bill Groben finished three saves on the evening for the Dukes.

The Seahawks conclude their brief two-game homestand on Oct. 16 against Drexel at 7 p.m.