* 2011 MEN'S SOCCER VIRTUAL GUIDE
* Read Soccer America Release
FAIRFAX, Va. - With strong play on the pitch, the George
Mason men's soccer team earned its first appearance in the national rankings
this season, entering the Soccer America Men's Top 25 poll at No. 18. The poll was released Tuesday morning and marks
the third season in the past four Mason has appeared in the national
rankings.
The Patriots, unbeaten against three consecutive Top 25 opponents,
handed Cal State Fullerton and Old Dominion their first losses of the season,
while tying then-No. 8 Central Florida.
Most recently, Mason opened Colonial Athletic Association
play Saturday night hosting then-No. 11 Old Dominion, which entered the game
with an unblemished 4-0 record and the nation's best offense averaging 4.00
goals per game. Taylor Morgan's team-leading seventh goal of the season was the
difference in the CAA opener for both teams, propelling the Patriots to the 1-0
victory. After several chances in the first half, Mason broke through in the 64th
minute when Morgan scored on his rebound off a penalty kick.
Mason is also receiving votes in the latest NSCAA poll, released
Tuesday afternoon, and is ranked No. 4 in the NSCAA Men's Soccer South Atlantic
Regional poll.
Currently, Mason is tied for sixth in the nation in scoring
offense (2.63 goals per game) and goals (21). Individually, Morgan stands tied
for 10th in total points (17) and total goals (7), 11th
in goals per game (0.88) and 12th in points per game (2.13).
In addition to team recognition, the Patriots have garnered several
individual accolades this season at both the conference and national level. Freshman
Verneri Valimaa was named CAA Rookie of the Week, while Morgan has been named
CAA Player of the Week twice. Following his standout weekend against UCF and
CSF, Morgan was named the ECAC Division I Men's Soccer Offensive Player of the
Week and was a member of the Soccer America Men's Team of the Week.
At 4-2-2 on the year, Mason returns to action traveling to
VCU on Saturday, October 1. Match time is slated for 7 p.m.
