FAIRFAX, Va. - Kelly Pizzingrilli converted a Kelly Thomas
free kick to bring the George Mason women's soccer team to within one goal
against St. John's Monday night, but two earlier goals by the Red Storm was
enough to seal the 2-1 victory for the visiting squad at George Mason Stadium.
In the regular season opener for Mason, Pizzingrilli,
Thomas, Tiana Kallenberger and Jazmin Cardoso each tallied two shots, while
five additional Patriots (0-1) added one apiece. The teams each recorded 13 shots as
Deanna Murino paced the Red Storm (1-1) with four attempts. Lyndse Hokanson made two
saves for the Patriots playing the full 90 minutes, while Kristin Russell made
four saves for the Red Storm.
The Patriots were held scoreless at the half as St. John's
took a 1-0 advantage on a Jen Leaverton goal fed by Patrice Casimir in the 13th
minute. Mason dominated play in the second half, outshot St. John's 5-3 and had
a 3-0 corner kick advantage, but was unable to capitalize on a late half surge.
Mason took a corner kick and three shots before the Red Storm
went ahead 2-0 on an unassisted Deanna Murino shot to the left of the keeper in
the 73rd minute. Just over two minutes later, Pizzingrilli scored
the Patriots' first goal of the season after Thomas was given a free kick off a
St. John's foul. Thomas' serve was deflected by the St. John's goalkeeper, but
Pizzingrilli was just to the left to complete the play.
Mason continued to attack in the final minutes using two corner
kicks and a shot on goal, but could not find the back of the net to even the
score before regulation ended.
The Patriots travel to the Penn State Invitational this
weekend, August 26 and 28, and will face Richmond and West Virginia,
respectively.
