Oct. 8, 2008

Fairfax, Va. - After playing four of their past five matches on the road, the George Mason women's soccer team finally returns home this weekend as the Patriots take on a pair of Colonial Athletic Association foes. The Patriots welcome Georgia State and UNC Wilmington to George Mason Stadium. Mason takes on the Panthers on Friday at 7 p.m. and the Seahawks on Sunday at 3 p.m.

The Patriots are 4-8-0 on the year, 1-3-0 in the CAA. Mason opened the conference slate with a road win at James Madison, which had a 19-match unbeaten streak at home and was receiving votes in the national top 25. After a home loss to VCU, the Patriots lost at first-place Hofstra and in overtime at Northeastern.

In Georgia State, Mason takes on a team that started the year 6-0-0 but has a 2-5-0 mark since. The Panthers upset preseason CAA favorite William & Mary, 2-1, but have lost at nationally-ranked Old Dominion, 5-0, and at home to VCU and James Madison. The Seahawks (6-5-0) are 2-2-0 in their past four matches which include home wins over VCU and Old Dominion and losses to James Madison and at William & Mary.

The Panthers are led this season by Kay Harbrueger who has been a potent offensive force, scoring more goals this year than some teams. She is tops in the CAA in goals and points this year. She has 12 goals and six assists for 30 points. She has 40 percent of Georgia State's goals and one third of its assists. Most of Harbrueger's goals came early in the season as the Panthers have been held to just six goals in the past seven contests with three shutouts. Heidi Blankenship has played in goal 11 times this year with a 7-4-0 mark and one shutout.

While Georgia State has won behind offense, UNC Wilmington has won behind defense. The Seahawks have just 17 goals but have allowed just 17 goals. Chandler Follett and Emily Pratt have combined in net allowing just 17 goals while stopping 44 shots and earning five shutouts. Kelly Rankin has five goals and 12 points to lead the team while Kelly Dodd has four goals. No other player has more than two. Brittany Croce has five assists, tops on the team.

Mason has been led this season by Kelly Keelan with six goals, tied for eighth in the CAA. Annie Lebherz, Kimmy Moss and Patti Benner each have two goals while five other players have scored once. Jessica Paris has six assists, which is tied for third in the CAA while Moss, Lebherz, Kelly Thomas and Zania Barnum each have two assists. Keelan has played eight games in net with 10 goals allowed and 40 saves. She has three of Mason's four wins and both shutouts and one of her goals has come while playing goal keeper. Melissa Mailley and Alex Bodenschatz have each played three games in net.

The Patriots are 2-1-0 all-time against Georgia State and Mason has won the past two meetings. Against UNC Wilmington, Mason is 13-5 all-time but the Seahawks have won the past two affairs, each time by a goal.

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.