Sept. 21, 2002

Neither George Mason nor Lafayette could find the back of the net as the teams played to a 0-0 tie in double overtime in a non-conference college men's soccer game Saturday night at George Mason Stadium.

George Mason remained unbeaten as it improved to 4-0-2, its best start since the 1996 team opened the year 7-0-1, and the Patriots moved to 1-0-2 in overtime games this season (13-5-9 since the start of the 1995 season). Lafayette saw its record go to 3-3-1.

The Patriots had possibly the best opportunity to score in regulation in the 15th minute when they were awarded an indirect free kick in the Lafayette penalty area, but the shot by sophomore Helmis Matute was deflected away by a defensive wall.

In the first sudden-victory overtime period, Mason junior Mirza Kurspahic sent a knuckling 25-yard shot toward the goal, but it was saved by Leopards freshman goalkeeper Mike Tortora. And in the second overtime period, Lafayette junior Ralph Rapuano sent a ball off the right post.

George Mason sophomore goalkeeper John O'Hara had three saves, and Tortora had six saves while playing the second half and in overtime. The Patriots held a 13-7 advantage in shots.

George Mason is back in action next Saturday as it hosts Alabama A&M at 7 p.m.