FAIRFAX, Va. - Fresh off its biggest win in four years, the George Mason men's soccer team returns home to take on in-state rival Richmond on Saturday at 7 p.m. at George Mason Stadium. The Patriots enter the match with a 2-2-1 record, while the Spiders have struggled at the start of the 2008 season, posting a 1-5-0 record in six contests.

George Mason traveled to Dallas, Texas last weekend to take part in the Prego's Express Italian Men's Soccer Invitational at Westcott Field on the campus of SMU. The Patriots split a pair of matches at the tournament, falling to then-No. 4 SMU by a final score of 3-0 on Friday before bouncing back the next day with a 1-0 shutout against then-No. 15 Tulsa. The win against Tulsa is the team's first win over a ranked opponent since the 2004 season, when Mason defeated No. 10 St. Louis, 3-0.

Despite losing to SMU, the Patriots played the host Mustangs close throughout the match before allowing a couple of late goals when the team was pushing numbers forward in an attempt to get the equalizer. After a third-place finish at the tournament, both Fro Adu and Irvin Martinez were named to the 2008 Prego's Express Italian Men's Soccer Invitational All-Tournament Team. Irvin Martinez scored the game-winning goal against Tulsa off of an assist by Anthony Han.

Richmond has struggled out of the gate in 2008, allowing 18 goals while scoring only six. Sophomore Jake Russell and freshman Ben Brewster have accounted for most of the offense, with each scoring a pair of goals this season. The Spiders lone victory of the season came on Sept. 13 against Marshall at the Duquesne Invitational. In its last match, Richmond was shut out by VCU, 1-0. George Mason enters the contest with a 22-8-2 advantage in the all-time series, including last year's 2-1 victory.

Saturday's match is the Broadside Game of the Week. All George Mason students in attendance will receive a free drawstring backpack while supplies last. Saturday's contest is also Youth Soccer Night, featuring prizes and giveaways courtesy of US Soccer in celebration of Youth Soccer Month in America. In addition, t-shirts and mini soccer balls will be thrown into the crowd throughout the match.

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.

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.