Oct. 9, 2005

Final Stats

Hempstead, N.Y.--George Mason men's soccer team tied Hofstra by a score of 0-0 Sunday afternoon in Hempstead, N.Y. in a Colonial Athletic Association match-up. With the tie, the Patriots now own an overall mark of 4-4-3 (0-1-3 CAA), while the Pride moves to 7-3-2 on the year and 2-1-1 in conference play. The Patriots have yet to score a goal in their first four CAA games, but have played to three 0-0 ties.

Junior midfielder Constantinos Christoudias hit the crossbar in the first minute of play, while senior forward Michael Todd hit the post once in each half from sharp angles. George Mason goalkeeper Eric Barnes was also called on to make three big saves in the final 20 minutes of regulation, including diving stops on shots from senior midfielder Jason Gates and Christoudias from inside 15 yards.

The Patriots then came up with two excellent chances to win the game in the second overtime. On the first one, Mason came down the field on a counter attack and drew Hofstra goalkeeper Matthias Gumbrecht out of the net. Junior midfielder Josh Fleming (Fairfax, Va.) then had an opening from 10 yards out on the left side, but Gates slid across the near post to keep the ball out of the net and give the Patriots a corner kick.

George Mason then nearly converted on the ensuing corner kick as senior back Anthony Noreiga got free at the far post for a header from 10 yards. Gumbrecht got his fingertips on the ball to slow it down, and Christoudias cleared it off the line just before it went in for the game-winning goal.

Hofstra ended up outshooting the Patriots 17-7 for the game, although Mason finished with an 8-4 edge in corner kicks. Barnes finished the game with six saves, while Gumbrecht went the distance to get his second shutout of the season.

Mason will return to action when it entertains UNC Wilmington on Friday at 7 p.m.