FAIRFAX, Va. - The George Mason men's soccer team hopes to have a huge home field advantage in its first match of the 2008 season at George Mason Stadium on Friday evening against in-state rival Virginia. As of Thursday afternoon, roughly 1,300 tickets have been purchased for the 8 p.m. home opener.

The largest home crowd to attend a George Mason men's soccer match is 4,500 and it was against Virginia. On Nov. 14, 1982, the Patriots lost to Virginia by a final score of 3-2 on the team's previous playing field, located near the Physical Education Building on the main campus.

The Patriots (1-0-1) enter Friday's match fresh off their first victory of the season. Playing at the D.C. College Cup in nearby Washington, D.C. last weekend, Mason defeated tournament host American 1-0 in overtime on Parker Walton's first career goal. Mason tied George Washington 1-1 in double overtime in its only other match at the D.C. College Cup. Walton, senior Michael Vallie and sophomore Eric Zuehsow were named to the All-Tournament Team as the Patriots finished as the runners-up at the tournament.

Virginia (0-2-0) hosted the Virginia Soccer Classic last weekend. The Cavaliers fell in two close matches, 1-0 to St. John's (now ranked No. 22) and 3-1 to No. 7 SMU. Freshman Chris Agorsor netted his first career goal against the Mustangs, one-touching a shot into the back of the net off of assists by Matt Mitchell and Brian Ownby.

Virginia leads the all-time series with George Mason, with a record of 15-8-3, in contests dating back to 1972. The teams last met during the 2006 season, a 2-0 Cavalier victory in Charlottesville, Va. While Virginia leads the all-time series, George Mason holds a .500 winning percentage against the Cavaliers at home, with a 3-3-1 record. The two sides last met at George Mason Stadium during the 1996 season, with the Patriots coming away with a 3-0 victory in front of the home crowd.

Fans can purchase tickets (Adult - $5, Youth/Senior - $2) to watch the Patriots take on the Cavaliers at George Mason Stadium.

Friday's match is the Broadside Game of the Week, as well as the second annual "Wingstock" celebration. All George Mason University students in attendance will receive free chicken wings courtesy of Hard Times Café while supplies last, with the first 400 students to enter the gate receiving a free "Wingstock" t-shirt. The festivities will also include a performance by Doc Nix and the Green Machine prior to the start of the match and a halftime chicken wing eating contest. George Mason University's mascot Gunston will make an appearance at the interactive kids zone featuring an inflatable soccer shot.

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.