Men's Soccer | 8/23/2018 3:33:00 PM

MEN'S SOCCER at AMERICAN
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 24, 2018 | 4 p.m.
WHERE:Washington, D.C. | Reeves Field
RECORDS:  Mason (0-0-0); American (0-0-0)
SERIES RECORD:  Mason leads 20-19-5
LIVE VIDEO: CLICK HERE
LIVE STATS: CLICK HERE
 
FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason men's soccer team doesn't have to stray far for its season opener.

The Patriots will open the 2018 season against crosstown rival American at 4 p.m. Friday at Reeves Field in Washington, D.C. This marks the 12th straight year the teams have met on the pitch – and the sixth consecutive season they've done so in the opening weekend.
 
GLIMPSE AT THE PATRIOTS
Mason returns 21 letterwinners and seven starters from last year's team that went 5-9-2. Junior midfielder Ryan Mingachos leads the way as the team's top returning scorer as he logged a career-high six goals and three assists for 15 points in 2017. The Patriots add 12 newcomers, including seven transfers and five freshmen. The group features forward Colin Brezniak, who scored three goals and made nine starts at Pittsburgh last fall, and a pair of transfers from Virginia Tech in forward Gregor von Westphalen and midfielder Daniel Damiani. Mason also brings in defender Pablo Pertusa, who was a junior college All-American at Monroe College in New York last season.
 
SCOUTING AMERICAN
The Eagles welcome 14 newcomers, including three transfers, to a team that went 4-12-1 in 2017. They are led by sophomore Nick Dimitrijevic, who boasted a team-high seven goals and 15 points last fall. American is coached by George Mason alum Todd West, who played for the Patriots from 1984-87. He is in his 22nd season at American, spending the last 19 as the program's head coach. He has led the Eagles to three NCAA Tournament appearances and seven Patriot League championships (regular season and tournament).
 
SERIES HISTORY
The Patriots have played only one team (William & Mary) more than they have faced American. Mason has played the Eagles 44 times, owning a 20-19-5 record. The Patriots, who are entering their 51st season as a program, have played American each of the last 12 years. The teams have been common foes for a long time as both played in the Colonial Athletic Association before American left in 2001. Mason later joined the Atlantic 10 in 2013. 
 
SEASON OPENERS UNDER ANDRULIS    
The Patriots have enjoyed much success on the first day of the season under head coach Greg Andrulis. Mason is 10-2-1 in season openers since 2005 under Andrulis' watch. They've won five of their last six season openers, including a 2-1 upset victory of No. 19 Coastal Carolina last year. Overall, Andrulis carries a 111-94-37 record in 13 years at Mason. 
 
NEXT UP
After opening the season at American, the Patriots will have a whole week before their next game. They'll play their home opener against Drexel at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 31 at George Mason Stadium.