FAIRFAX, Va. –Timi Mulgrew's fifth goal of the season proved to be the difference maker in George Mason men's soccer's 2-1 victory over Wisconsin on Friday evening.

The Patriots improve to 3-0 with the victory over a Wisconsin team that was ranked in preseason polls. The Badgers dip to 1-2 on the season.

Both teams played a clean first half without giving up a goal while managing only one shot on goal apiece. It did not take long however for the Patriots to strike in the second half, scoring just over two minutes in in the 48th minute. Freshman Henning Dirks was able to steal away a ball put in play by Wisconsin's keeper, maneuver his way around and touch the ball into the left corner of the net past the diving Adrian Remeniuk for the one goal lead on his second of the season.

The Patriots put on consistent pressure in the second half on their way to outshoot the Badgers 8-7. Mason was able to put up a much needed second goal in the 81st minute when goalkeeper Steffen Kraus placed a long ball downfield in perfect position for Mulgrew to gain control and head it over an extended Remeniuk for the two goal advantage and Mulgrew's fifth goal in three games.

Wisconsin tacked on a late goal in the 89th minute however the rally was too late as the Patriots were able to fend off several attempts from the Badgers in the second half, resulting in three big saves for Kraus.

The men's soccer team returns to George Mason Stadium next weekend when it hosts Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Friday, September 12 at 7 p.m. and Hartwick on Sunday, September 14 at 1p.m. in the Capital Cup. Halftime of Mason's game against Milwaukee will also be the ring ceremony for the 2013 Atlantic 10 Conference Champion team.