Oct. 25, 2002

George Mason sophomore goalkeeper John O'Hara came up with huge saves early in each half, proving to be the difference in the game, as the Patriots and nationally ranked Virginia Commonwealth played to a 0-0 tie in double overtime Friday night in a Colonial Athletic Association men's soccer game at George Mason Stadium.

The tie snapped a three-game losing streak for George Mason as it improved to 6-4-3 overall, 1-1-1 in the CAA, and the Patriots are now 13-6-12 in overtime games over the past eight seasons (1-1-3 in 2002). Virginia Commonwealth, ranked 15th in the nation by the NSCAA and 23rd by Soccer America, stopped a five-game win streak but is unbeaten in its last six contests as its record went to 9-3-1 overall, 3-0-1 in the CAA.

O'Hara, who has been ranked nationally much of the season for goals-against average, made a tough diving save on a shot by VCU junior Matthew Delicate in the first minute of action, then he made a point-blank save on a header by Delicate in the 56th minute. O'Hara finished the night with eight saves to tie his season high, while Rams sophomore Saul Montero had two saves.

The Rams held a 10-2 advantage in shots at halftime, and they finished the night with a 17-11 edge. Delicate had five shots for VCU while juniors McColm Cephas and Randy Ugarte each had four. Sophomore Helmis Matute led the Patriots with four shots.

George Mason hosts UNC Wilmington Sunday at 2:30 p.m.