George Mason University Athletics

Men's Soccer Opens Season With Test at American on Friday

Late Goal by Saint Louis Sinks Patriots on the Road

Box Score

George Mason Athletics Men's Soccer 10/15/2016 10:53:00 PM

Box Score SAINT LOUIS – Surrendering a late goal on the road prevented the George Mason men's soccer team from forcing overtime and snatching a point from one of the Atlantic 10 Conference's top teams.

Saint Louis scored in the 82nd minute to hand the Patriots a 2-1 loss on Saturday night at Hermann Stadium. Mason (2-9-1, 0-4-0 A-10) suffered its fifth straight loss after tying the game late in the first half.

“Another tough result (but) easily our best overall performance of the year,” George Mason head coach Greg Andrulis said. “The difference in the match was a brilliant second goal by their forward. We had some very good looks ourselves but were unable to convert our chances.”

SLU (5-4-3, 4-0-0 A-10) scored the game-winner with less than nine minutes remaining. Anthony Brown sent a pass into the box from the right side. Saadiq Mohammed corralled it, created separation from the defender and scorched a rocket just inside the far post, out of the reach of Mason goalkeeper Steffen Kraus.

The Patriots pressed in the final two minutes to find the equalizer and fired off four shots, including two on goal. George Mason sophomore Gilian Buijk had a great chance with two seconds remaining but SLU goalkeeper Ben Yeager made a leaping stop to his left to pluck the shot out of the air and preserve the win.

The Billikens scored first on goal by Max Karcher less than 10 minutes in. But Mason tied it up in the 36th minute thanks to an own goal by Saint Louis.

The teams battled even throughout with the Billikens holding a slight edge in shots, 13-12, and corner kicks, 6-5. Senior Ryan Harmouche had a team-high five shots for the Patriots.

Mason did fire six shots on goal, compared to SLU's four. Tunde Akinlosotu nearly put Mason in front in the 76th minute. But his header off a Tolu Ibikunle cross was stopped by a diving Yeager, who had five saves.

Mason will be back on the road on Wednesday when it plays Duquesne in Pittsburgh.

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