Sept. 30, 2005

Box Score

Richmond, Va. - The George Mason women's soccer team, beset by injuries and an overall lack of depth, took a hit before its match on Friday at Virginia Commonwealth. Shortly before the match, the Patriots learned that they'd be without midfielder Jessica Paris who is dealing with a foot injury. Parris had two goals in last year's 3-2 win over the Rams. Just moments into the match, starting defender Jessie Hart left with a leg injury and was unable to return.

With significantly fewer healthy bodies than normal, Mason struggled to maintain its intensity and the result was a 10-minute first-half lull that allowed a pair of VCU goals, providing the defending CAA champions with all the offense it needed in a 2-0 win.

Mason entered the match as one of several teams unbeaten in Colonial Athletic Association play, and the Patriots were hoping to control the central midfield against the Rams. For the first 28 minutes, Mason was able to accomplish that task, as the Patriots controlled the action early and played exceptional defense on balls in their half. But in the 29th minute, Mary Raveia drew a yellow card and the ensuing direct kick led to a VCU corner kick. That corner, taken by Sandra Anger, resulted in a goal for Megan Flanagan off an assist from Stephanie Power.

Not surprisingly, VCU (4-3-3, 2-0-0) was able to capitalize on swing in momentum, needing less than seven minutes to extend the lead to 2-0. The second goal came off the foot of Pernilla Jansson, who scored her fifth goal of the year off an assist from Hedda Gardsjord. Jansson has scored half of the Rams' 10 goals this season.

Mason (5-5-0, 1-1-0) recovered after that goal and pressed the attack to close out the half, reestablishing itself with several scoring opportunities. The second half saw Mason continue that trend, particularly senior midfield Amy Alecci, who peppered the net with shots, only to see VCU goal keeper Lauren Hardison make two spectacular saves to deny her and Mason a goal.

"We played very well considering the adversity," said Mason head coach Diane Drake. "A lot of players stepped up and rose to the challenge despite being thrown into new positions."

The Patriots had Olivia Brown in net in the first half and Kasey Davenport in the second half. Brown stopped 1 of 3 shots while Davenport stopped the only shot she faced.

Mason has just one day free before returning to action. The Patriots will host James Madison (6-4-0, 1-1-0) on Sunday at 1 p.m.