Aug. 29, 2008

Box Score

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The George Mason men's soccer team opened its 2008 season with a 1-1 double-overtime tie against George Washington on Friday afternoon at the D.C. College Cup, hosted by American at Reeves Field in Washington, D.C.

Neither team could break through with a goal in the final 20 minutes of overtime to end the match. Mason had its best opportunity with just under five minutes remaining in the second overtime when junior Richard Edgar fired a shot at close range after receiving a pass from freshman Draymond Washington. Senior goalkeeper Matt Scheer went to his knees to make the stop for the Colonials to preserve the tie.

In the 73rd minute of play, the Patriots scored the first goal of the day. Sophomore Irvin Martinez took a corner kick from the right corner, placing the ball perfectly on the left side of the goal about 10 yards out, where sophomore Patrick Barthold knocked the ball past a diving Scheer for the second goal of his career.

The lead was short-lived; however, as the Colonials answered with a goal 19 seconds later to tie the score at one. Freshman Yoni Berhanu sent the ball to junior Andy Stadler, who took a header from the left side of the goal. Junior goalkeeper Sean Kelley appeared to have the ball corralled; however, it made its way past him and into the back of the net for GW's first goal of the afternoon.

The first half ended without a single goal from either side. Both teams had ample scoring opportunities as George Mason finished with nine shots to George Washington's eight. The play in the net was outstanding during the opening 45 minute stanza. Kelley tallied five saves, while Scheer turned away four shots for George Washington.

Midfielder Ryan Gracia, midfielder Anthony Han, forward Axel Levry and Washington all made their George Mason debuts in the match. Gracia took three shots in the match, Levry took five and Washington took three. The Patriots took 24 shots as a team to the Colonials 19.

The D.C. College Cup continues with host American facing Howard at 5 p.m. at Reeves Field on Friday. George Mason closes out the action on Sunday's second and final day of the tournament with a match against American at 3 p.m. A 12 p.m. contest between George Washington and Howard opens Sunday's action.