The George Mason men's soccer team saw success in its inaugural season in the Atlantic 10 Conference, claiming Mason's first Atlantic 10 team championship and following that up with a run to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The program has seen a shift in experience since the end of last season, graduating eight seniors and bringing in nine freshmen, however head coach Greg Andrulis and his staff are ready for the challenge of repeating the success the team had in the A-10 in 2013.
“We graduated a group that had a fantastic year on the field and in the classroom,” said Andrulis. “An Academic Award from the NSCAA, undefeated at home, undefeated in the conference, conference champions, second round of the NCAA's, final rankings in all polls in the top 25 and as high as 15th by Soccer America.”
“The eight graduates left the program better than when they came and we couldn't be prouder of them,” continued Andrulis. “When you graduate the number of quality players and leaders that we did it leaves tremendous opportunities for the guys who are here to step up and pave their own path, and we are excited about the possibilities.”
The Patriots return several players from last year's team, led by senior captain Timi Mulgrew. The Sterling, Va. native appeared in all 21 games last season, starting 19 and helped Mason to an undefeated conference record of 5-0-3 as well as an unblemished record of 6-0-3 at home. Mulgrew totaled four goals and three assists for 11 points in 2013, tied for second on the team while tallying a team-high 22 shots on goal.
Leading Mason with 13 points last season and scoring a team-high five goals in 20 games, junior Jannik Eckenrode also returns for his second season with the Patriots. Sophomore Zach Herstek is coming off his Atlantic 10 All-Rookie season in 2013 with three goals and an assist in 18 games and junior Brice Colcombe returns after also seeing regular playing time last season. Junior Ahmed Ismail and sophomore Matt Tucker also appeared in at least 10 games for the Patriots on offense.
The Patriots return a key starter from a defense that allowed only 16 goals and posted a conference-low 0.71 goals-against average in 2013. Junior Taylor Washington will anchor the backfield after garnering All-Atlantic 10 First Team honors last season as well as 2014 preseason All-Conference honors with Mulgrew and sophomore goalkeeper Steffen Kraus.
The defending Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year, Kraus ranked first in the conference in GAA and with nine shutouts en route to being named a Third Team NSCAA All-American. The Stuttgart, Germany native will once again be in net for the Green and Gold as they begin their quest for a second consecutive conference title.
“Our expectations are to compete for the conference championship every year,” said Andrulis. “This year's group will find its identity and method of being successful on the field and we should have something to say about who takes home the trophy this year.”
Freshman Henning Dirks and Alain Sargeant have already received praise from Atlantic 10 coaches as they were named to the 2014 Preseason All-Rookie Team for a Mason squad that was predicted to finish second behind defending regular season champion Saint Louis. The Patriots played in two preseason games and open the season on Friday, August 29 against Howard in the Kuykenstrong D.C. College Cup.
“We are pleased that for the most part the guys came into camp fit and ready to go,” said Andrulis. “The group has worked very hard to acclimate themselves with each other both on and off the field. The process of team building and finding our heart will take some time.”
Mason plays its first home match of the season on Friday, September 5 against Wisconsin as part of a schedule that draws six teams that qualified for the 2013 NCAA Tournament, including UW-Milwaukee, UMBC, Navy, VCU and College Cup participant Virginia. This year's Atlantic 10 Tournament begins on November 13 in Richmond, Va.
