FAIRFAX, Va. – After playing through regulation and two overtime periods, the conference battle between the visiting VCU Rams and George Mason ended in a 0-0 tie at George Mason Stadium on Sunday evening.
The draw keeps Mason undefeated at home and moves their overall record to 6-2-2 on the season with a 1-0-1 record in A-10 conference play. VCU goes to 7-4-2 and remains unbeaten in conference play with a 2-0-1 record in the A-10.
Strong defense and key saves by both goalkeepers kept each team off the scoreboard. Mason keeper Steffen Kraus totaled five saves on the night for his fifth shutout of the season, including two diving attempts. Kraus was tested early on in the 10th minute when Devon Fisher ripped a shot from the right side of the box, but was Kraus able to make the diving grab. Later in the 24th minute Kraus again dove to punch away a VCU shot from 30 yards out that was headed towards the right side of the net.
Mason's first great chance to score came in the 16th minute of play. Alex Herrera was able to make a pass to Julio Arjona for a shot from the top-middle of the box, however VCU keeper Andrew Wells, who made seven saves in the game, was able to make a diving save of his own to keep the game scoreless early on. The Patriots would total five shots in the first half and outshoot VCU 12-11 for the game.
VCU thought that they had the first goal of the game in the 31st minute after the ball bounced off of a VCU player following a free kick, however an offside penalty was called and the match remained scoreless at the half.
The Patriots were able to put on pressure in the second half which included two attempts by sophomore Jannik Eckenrode. A shot from the top of the box in the 69th minute from the top of the box sailed just over the crossbar and a diving header attempt in the 73rd minute was saved to keep the score at zero. Chances by both teams occurred in the final 10 minutes of play before the game headed to overtime.
Mason's best chance to break the scoreless tie came with four minutes remaining in the first overtime period. Following a free kick, Hugh Roberts had the ball inside the right of the box when his shot bounced off the right post and back towards the opposite direction. Back and forward play continued during the second overtime period and neither team was able to out-maneuver the opposing defense for the game winning goal.
The next game on the schedule for men's soccer is on Friday, October 25 in Philadelphia, Pa. against the St. Joseph's Hawks (2-6-5). Kickoff is slated 7:00 p.m. Mason returns home for Senior Day and Hall of Fame Inductions on Sunday, October 27 at George Mason Stadium. Ceremonies will begin at 1 p.m. with the match against La Salle to follow.
