FAIRFAX, Va. - The George Mason men's soccer team closes out its 2008 home schedule when it hosts first-place UNC Wilmington on Saturday at 7 p.m. at George Mason Stadium. The match is critical for the Patriots hopes of being one of six teams to qualify for the CAA Championship, which begins on Tuesday, Nov. 11 with the quarterfinal round.

With Wednesday's 2-0 shutout against third-place Drexel, Mason improved to 4-4-1 in conference matches (8-6-2 overall) and placed itself in position to possibly claim a spot in the CAA Championship. The Patriots currently trail sixth-place VCU by one point, 14-13, in the conference standings.

The task will be tough with UNC Wilmington (10-7-0, 7-2-0 CAA) visiting Fairfax as the Seahawks have won five consecutive CAA contests to take over the top spot in the standings. Mason's last opponent, Drexel, entered Wednesday's match on a similar hot streak, and the Patriots were able to put an end to that streak on the strength of an early goal by freshman forward Axel Levry, two assists by senior forward Kwame Adjeman-Pamboe and an impressive effort by the defensive unit. The loss was Drexel's first since Sept. 27.

UNCW's explosive offensive is tied for first in the league in goals scored with 26 and ranks second in points per game with an average of 4.18 per contest. Junior forward Devan Carroll leads the conference in points (20), points per game (1.25), goals scored (9), goals per game (0.56) and game-winning goals (3).

George Mason will counter with a balanced attack that features five players with at least three goals. Adjeman-Pamboe leads the team in total points with 10 after recording two goals and two assists in the past two contests.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate on Saturday and cost $5 for adults and $2 for youth and senior citizens. All full-time enrolled George Mason University students will be admitted free with a valid George Mason student ID. Saturday's match will be the Broadside Game of the Week featuring free burritos from Chipotle for George Mason students while supplies last. T-shirts and mini soccer balls will be thrown into the crowd throughout the match.

The George Mason University Athletics Department welcomes all fans to Fairfax. In order to enhance the experience for all fans, certain policies are in place. Pets will not be allowed into George Mason Stadium (with the exception of service animals). Also prohibited from the Stadium are any coolers, glass containers, alcoholic beverages and noise makers. We greatly appreciate your cooperation and adherence to these policies and we hope you enjoy your experience at George Mason Stadium. If you have questions regarding the above policy, please contact the Athletic Ticket Office at (703) 993-3270.