FAIRFAX, Va. – Laurent Newsome's first goal of the season with one second remaining in the first half proved to be the game winner as the George Mason men's soccer team held on for the 1-0 victory over Hartford on Saturday night.

Mason wins its first ever matchup with the University of Hartford and improves its record to 5-2-1 on the season. Hartford suffers its first loss in regulation and falls to 6-1-2. .

"The guys have had a heck of a week and tonight were rewarded with a well-deserved victory," stated head coach Greg Andrulis. "They showed tremendous composure and did all of the little things to secure a road win. Very solid defense led to the shutout and once again Steffen had little to do. And a heads up set piece goal just before the half was all we needed."

The majority of the first half saw back and forward play from each side with both defenses turning away any possible scoring chances. Hartford had what appeared to look like a goal in the 42^nd minute of play that was ruled by the officials to be a no-goal.

After a throw in from the right sideline, Hawks midfielder Romario Jones blasted a shot from 20 yards out that deflected off the middle of the crossbar and shook the back of the net. Hartford players immediately called for a goal, however Mason goalkeeper Steffen Kraus was able to get a hand on the ball before it bounced off the crossbar for the save.

Mason was able to take momentum with them into halftime, scoring the lone goal of the match with one tick left on the clock in the first half. With 15 seconds remaining the Patriots were able to draw a corner kick taken by junior Timi Mulgrew. The midfielder was able to get the kick off in short time, sending it off the near side post which allowed for Newsome to pick up the rebound inside the box and punch it in the net with one second remaining.

Hartford pressed the Mason defense in the second half with multiple chances in their offensive zone. Crossing attempts by the Hawks in the 65^th and 79^th minutes were well placed but Kraus was able to punch away each chance. Kraus totaled two saves in the game for his third shutout of the season and fourth game holding the opponent scoreless.

Hartford's best chance to even the score came in the 81^st minute on a free kick attempt from 19 yards out that went high and wide of the net. The Patriots played well defensively for the entire match, including with a one-man disadvantage for the majority of the second half.

"We are looking to some much needed rest and recovery now that our non-conference schedule is completed," noted Andrulis. "We feel we are well prepared and very excited to get the A-10 schedule started at home versus Rhode Island."

Masons snaps its two-game losing streak and returns home to begin Atlantic 10 Conference play this week. The Patriots host new conference opponent Rhode Island at George Mason stadium on Friday, October 11 for a 7 p.m. kickoff.