Aug. 29, 2003

HARRISONBURG, Va. - Sophomore Steve Alabi scored at 2:24 of the first half and junior goalkeeper John O'Hara made five saves as George Mason (1-0-0) defeated Charlotte (0-1-0), 1-0, in the first game of the James Madison/Comfort Inn Men's Soccer Invitational Tournament.

Alabi headed a cross from junior David Quinn past Charlotte sophomore goalkeeper Josh Beachmen at the top of six-yard box. Senior Keith Nakai registered an assist on the play after Quinn corralled his throw-in and crossed the ball to Alabi.

In the evening's second game, James Madison defeated Stony Brook, 3-0.

George Mason faces Stony Brook at 1 p.m. and Charlotte meets JMU at 3:30 p.m. in the tournament's second round Sunday.