BOSTON, Mass. - The George Mason men's soccer team rallied
late in the second half of the regular season opener at No. 25 Boston College, but the
rally fell just short as the Patriots dropped a 3-2 decision at Newton Campus
Field Friday afternoon. Both Paul Andrews and Draymond Washington scored for
Mason in the contest.
The Patriots outshot the Eagles 9-6 and held a 7-2 advantage
on corner kicks against the Eagles. Five different Eagles recorded a shot on
goal, while Boston College was able to convert its three shots on goal.
"There were stretches today where we collectively played
decent," commented Andrulis on the match. "The quality required in the final third
was lacking this afternoon and after getting off to a good start, a mental
error led to a very poor goal. To the team's credit, we played hard and showed
a determined spirit, despite giving up a couple of soft goals."
Mason and Boston College played through a stalemate during the
first 34 minutes of action before the home squad struck first. Amit Aburmad beat
a defender on the left side and sailed a pass from Diego Medina-Mendez into the
back of the net to put Boston College in front, 1-0. Nine minutes later,
Charlie Rugg scored on a double-assist to carry BC into halftime with a 2-0
advantage. Rugg beat the keeper in a one-and-one in front of the net for the
goal; Isaac Taylor and Aburmad were credited with assists.
Mason produced three shots and two corner kicks in the first
33 minutes of the second half before the teams combined for three goals in the final
12 minutes of play. Mason cut the score in half when Paul Andrews scored his
first career goal as a Patriot in the 79th minute. Leo Stolz took a corner kick
for Mason and Andrews scored on an assist from Alex Herrera; Stolz was also
credited with an assist on the play.
BC pushed its advantage back to two goals 10 minutes later
on Rugg's second goal of the match. Challenged by a pair of Mason defenders on
the left side of the box, Rugg slipped past the Patriots for an unassisted goal
and 3-1 lead.
However, Mason continued to attack in the final minutes as
Washington scored in the 89thminute. Washington scored off a Derek
Markheim pass from the left of top of the box to account for the final score.
Mason opens its home slate playing host to Howard as part of
the D.C. College Cup September 1 and 3. The Patriots welcome George Washington
and American in addition to Howard to George Mason Stadium.
