FAIRFAX, Va. – A strong offensive performance from the George Mason women's soccer team secured the first win of the season for the Patriots with a 3-0 shutout over North Florida Sunday afternoon. Jazmin Cardoso, Liz Hodges and Sydney Mitchell each found the back of the net in the victory as Mason improved to 1-1-1 on the season. North Florida dipped to 1-2-1.
Mason raced out to a quick 2-0 advantage in the first half using goals from Hodges and Cardoso. Hodges put the home squad up 1-0 in the 18th minute scoring after a play inside the box following a Cardoso corner kick. The senior delivered a corner into the middle of the box and after a scramble, Hodges completed the play from five yards out for the early lead. Cardoso cushioned the lead in the 20th minute after Sarah Hardison carried the ball up the near side. Hardison found Cardoso on the outside corner of the net as the senior punched it in for the 2-0 lead that would stand at halftime.
Mason's Mitchell cushioned the score to 3-0 in the second half completing a service from Paige Babel in the 54th minute. Crossing the midfield line, Babel found the foot of Mitchell who carried the ball up to the left corner of the net and blasted it around the keeper for the eventual final score.
For the contest, Mason's defense held North Florida to just four shots, none on frame, while taking 15 itself and putting 12 on target. Osprey goalkeeper Susie Ford collected eight saves in the contest as Mason's Briana Kottler picked up the win playing 71 minutes. Hardison, Hodges and Mitchell each recorded two shots on goal in the victory.
Mason returns to the pitch traveling to St. Francis (Pa.) for a 4 p.m. contest on Thursday, September 5.