FAIRFAX, Va. - George Mason returns home on Saturday to take on the Georgia State Panthers in a Colonial Athletic Association men's soccer match with major implications for the Patriots' postseason hopes. Opening kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. at George Mason Stadium.

The Patriots enter the match in sixth place in the conference standings with an 8-5-1 overall record and 3-3-1 mark in CAA contests for a total of 10 points. The top four teams in the CAA standings at the conclusion of the regular season advance to the CAA Championship Tournament, slated to begin on Nov. 13 at the home of the top seed. Georgia State is tied for ninth place in the standings with a 4-6-1 overall record and 2-5-0 record in conference matches for a total of six points.

Mason found itself in a similar position in the conference standings last season against Georgia State before downing the Panthers' 2-0 on Oct. 25 in Atlanta, Ga. The win sparked an eight-match winning streak that propelled the team to its first CAA Championship since the 1989 season and a First-Round NCAA Tournament victory over Penn.

Junior forward Victor Freeman leads the Patriots in points with 11 (4 G, 3 A). Sophomore forward Draymond Washington has 10 points (4 G, 2 A) and sophomore midfielder Ryan Gracia has nine points (3 G, 3 A). Senior goalkeeper Sean Kelley anchors a Mason defensive unit that is tied for second in the conference with six shutouts.

Georgia State's offense is led by freshman Gimel Gordon, who has three goals and one assist for a total of seven points. Freshman goalkeeper Vincent Foermier has started all 11 matches for the Panthers with 46 saves and a 1.51 goals against average. The Panthers have won the last two meetings at George Mason Stadium, taking a 1-0 win in 2005 and a 3-0 victory in 2007.

Saturday's match is the Broadside Game of the Week. All George Mason University students in attendance will receive free food from Noodles & Company while supplies last. Saturday is also Boy Scout Night and George Mason Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night at George Mason Stadium.

Tickets to men's soccer matches cost $5 for adults and $2 for youth, senior citizens and George Mason faculty and staff with a valid ID. George Mason University students will be admitted free with a valid student ID. Tickets will be available for purchase at the entrance to George Mason Stadium. The gates to the stadium will open at 6 p.m.