CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The George Mason men's soccer team had their unbeaten streak snapped on Tuesday evening after a 3-0 loss to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va. The result brings Mason to a 4-1-1 record on the season, while Virginia improved to 2-3-0.
The Cavaliers first got on the board in the 15th minute when Ryan Zinkhan knocked the ball in after a scramble in front of the net to put Virginia up 1-0. Mason would be outshot 9-2 by the Cavaliers in the first half, who totaled a 17-6 advantage for the match.
Mason's first scoring opportunity came in the came in the 43rd minute of play when a Hugh Roberts shot went off the crossbar. Roberts would also attempt a header in the second half that sailed high over the net.
Virginia was able to score two more goals in the second half. Brian James scored on an attempt off of a rebound from eight yards out in the 44th minute, while Darius Madison would hit a strike in the 70th minute from 18 yards out towards the far post. Mason senior Julio Arjona had his chances in the second half, including a shot that went off the post in the 66th minute and one that was saved by Virginia goalkeeper Jeff Gal in the 76th minute of play. Mason goalkeeper Steffen Kraus allowed all three goals while making three saves on the day.
Mason broke in to the national rankings today, coming in at No. 23 on the latest NSCAA polls.
The Patriots continue their three game road trip next Wednesday, September 25 when they head to Baltimore, Md. to face UMBC. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
