RICHMOND, Va. – An early hole was too much to dig out of against one of the nation's stingiest defenses.

The George Mason men's soccer team suffered a 2-0 loss to VCU on Saturday night at SportsBackers Stadium. The Patriots (5-7, 3-3 Atlantic 10) surrendered two goals in the first half and couldn't recover against the conference-leading Rams.

"Tonight we came up short in a competitive, hard-fought game," Mason head coach Greg Andrulis said. "We had some terrific chances, especially in the second half, but their goalkeeper was up to the challenge. The guys left it all on the field and played very hard. Now we prepare for another tough road encounter at Davidson."

The Rams (9-4-1, 5-0-1), who have allowed just one goal in the last six games, fended off nine shots anf four corner kicks by the Patriots in the second half. VCU posted its ninth shutout, which is tied for third-most in the nation, as goalkeeper Mario Sequeira made all three of his saves in the second half.

VCU knotted a scoreless tie in the 22nd minute. Jared Greene received a cross from the left side from Eli Lockaby and tapped a shot to the right of goalkeeper Clark Gronek from six yards out.

Simon Fetch then added an insurance goal in the 39th minute. Off a free kick by Siad Haji, Fetch ran to the far post and knocked in a point-blank shot.

Mason junior Tunde Akinlosotu ripped three of his team-high four shots in the second half. He put two on goal and junior Raheem Lawal also recorded a shot on goal but Sequeira was there to stop all three. For the Patriots, Gronek made six shots.

With two regular-season games remaining, the Patriots are tied for fifth in the A-10 with nine points. The top eight teams make the conference tournament, which begins Nov. 4.

Mason returns to action next Saturday against Davidson, which is tied for second place, on the road in Davidson, N.C.