FAIRFAX, Va. – With the inaugural season as a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference just around the corner, tenth-year head coach Diane Drake announced the 2013 women's soccer schedule today. The slate features nine home games, including an exhibition contest, and features three opponents that competed in the 2013 NCAA Women's Soccer Tournament.
“It's a really exciting time for George Mason women's soccer and the move into the Atlantic 10 Conference,” noted Drake. “Our schedule this year provides us the opportunity to play against new competition in a very strong conference and will allow us to grow as a team and unit.”
Mason will play two exhibition games before the season kicks off on August 25. The Patriots play host to Liberty on Aug. 14 before traveling to NCAA Tournament participant Radford for its second preseason matchup on Aug. 17.
The 2013 regular season will open on the road with Mason visiting former conference foe William and Mary on Aug. 25. The road swing closes out with a trip to second round NCAA Tournament team Maryland on Aug. 30.
Mason opens its home slate on September 1 welcoming North Florida to Fairfax before returning to the road for a pair of games at St. Francis (Sept. 5) and American (Sept. 10). The Patriots take a break from the road to host Old Dominion on Sept. 14 before a midweek matchup at Loyola on Tuesday, Sept. 17.
Mason will face A-10 member VCU on Friday, Sept. 20, although not an official A-10 matchup.
A two-game break from league play will occur when the Patriots visit James Madison on Sept. 25 and entertain Delaware on Sept. 29 to close out the month and non-conference play.
“Our non-conference schedule allows us to play former Colonial Athletic Association rivals that we've had great relationships with over the years,” Drake stated. “Additionally, we'll play against Maryland, a historically nationally-ranked opponent. We are really excited about what we've put together this year for our schedule with a more mature squad.”
Eight consecutive A-10 matchups close out the regular season beginning at Dayton (October 4) before Mason faces Saint Louis in Fairfax on Oct. 6. The Patriots take to the road again on Oct. 11 to face Rhode Island before returning home.
Three of the final five regular season contests take place at George Mason Stadium as the Patriots host Fordham (Oct. 13), as part of a double-header with the men's soccer team, Richmond (Oct. 19) and George Washington (Oct. 25).
A pair of road matchups wrap up the regular season with Mason visiting Saint Joseph's (November 1) and defending A-10 champion La Salle (Nov. 3).
The 2013 Atlantic 10 Championship will take place Nov. 7-10 on the campus of VCU.
Ticket prices for the 2013 women's soccer season are $6 for adults and $4 for youth (ages 18 and under). Tickets are available for purchase at the gate beginning one hour prior to the start of the game or in advance by calling the George Mason Athletic Ticket Office at 703-993-3270. Group discounts are available with a minimum purchase of 20 tickets. Group tickets are only $3 a ticket and must be purchased in advance. Fans can contact the George Mason Athletic Ticket Office for more information.
To view the complete schedule, please click here.
