Sept. 26, 2005

Fairfax, Va.--George Mason University freshman goalkeeper Eric Barnes (Aiken, S.C.) was tabbed Brine Colonial Athletic Association Rookie of the Week as announced by the conference Monday afternoon.

Barnes allowed just one goal in nearly 190 minutes of action last week at George Mason Stadium as Mason defeated La Salle 3-1 (Sept. 20) and edged PSU 1-0 in overtime on Sept. 24. The freshman made a pair of saves in his first career shutout against the Nittany Lions and stopped three shots in the victory over La Salle. Barnes lowered his goals against average (GAA) to 0.97 for the season.

This is the first conference rookie of the week for Mason in men's soccer since the 2002 season.

The Patriots (4-3) will return to action when they host Virginia Commonwealth on Sept. 30 (7 p.m.) for Mason's league opener and the final contest of the Patriots' four-game homestand.