WASHINGTON – The George Mason men's soccer team started strong in its season opener but the second half proved to be a different story.
An early goal wasn't enough for the Patriots in a 2-1 loss at American on Friday at Reeves Field. The Eagles scored twice after halftime as Mason surrendered the game-winning goal in the 67th minute.
American's Fabio Massaro scored on a through ball to break a 1-1 tie. The Eagles (1-0) had tied it up earlier in the half on a goal by Jerry Zouantcha in the 53rd minute.
Mason (0-1) jumped out to an early lead in the 17th minute when junior
Grant Robinson scored his second career goal. Sophomore goalkeeper
Corey Chambers played staunch defense in the first half, making five saves as American fired off eight shots before halftime.
Chambers finished with six saves as the Eagles scored twice on just four shots in the second half. The Patriots were outshot 12-8, with sophomore transfer
Colin Brezniak leading the way with three shots, including one on goal.
"A terrific goal by
Grant Robinson got us off to a good start," head coach
Greg Andrulis said. "Unfortunately, in the second half we lost our rhythm and paid the price. The effort and drive were there. Now we move onto our first home game next Friday."
Five players made their first starts in a Mason uniform – four transfers (Brezniak, Pablo Pertusa,
Gregor von Westphalen and
Daniel Damiani) and one freshman (
Michael Diehl). Transfer
Edwin Guevara also made his Mason debut.
The Patriots return to action next week for their home opener at 6 p.m. on Friday against Drexel at George Mason Stadium.
