FAIRFAX, Va. – After playing through regulation and two overtime periods, the George Mason men's soccer team ended a battle with Atlantic 10 Conference foe La Salle in a 1-1 draw on Senior Day. Prior to kickoff, Mason's eight seniors were recognized for their contributions to the team.
With the draw, Mason moved to 7-2-3 overall on the season and 2-0-2 in A-10 play, while La Salle moved to 6-6-3 overall and 3-1-1 in league play. Mason continues to remain unbeaten at home with a 5-0-3 record.
La Salle grabbed the early 1-0 lead on a Rob Friskey tally in the 35th minute. Mason attacked early in the period, forcing Explorer goalkeeper John McCarthy into four saves in the opening half. Mason quickly tied the score at 1-1 early in the second half on a Jannik Eckenrode goal in the 50th minute of play. For his fourth goal of the season, Eckenrode converted a Taylor Washington assist to even the score at 1-apiece. Both teams saw solid opportunities before the end of regulation, but strong defense and key saves kept the teams tied at the end of 90 minutes.
In the overtime periods, Mason registered six shots, while putting one on target. La Salle, which was held to just seven shots in the match, recorded two in the extra periods.
For the contest, Mason outshot La Salle 23-7 and put 12 shots on frame to the Explorers' three. Julio Arjona, Alex Herrera and Eckenrode led the offense each with four shots. All four from Herrera were on goal. Mason goalkeeper Steffen Kraus recorded two saves in the contest, while McCarthy made 11 stops for La Salle.
Mason returns to the pitch in the rescheduled contest against Rhode Island on Friday, November 1. Game time is slated for 6 p.m.
