Fairfax, Va. - Despite getting on the board early, the George Mason Patriots (4-8-2, 3-3-0) lost their first home Atlantic 10 matchup of season, falling to the VCU Rams (5-8-2, 3-3-0) on Saturday night at George Mason Stadium.
While Mason still holds the edge in its all-time series against VCU with a record of 15-12-11, the Patriots are just 2-6-2 in the last 10 meetings between the two Virginia programs. George Mason's most recent win over the Rams came on March 21, 2021, with a 2-1 victory in Fairfax.
Mason's offense started the match quickly and applied early pressure. Within the first minute, midfielder Madyson Taylor delivered a dangerous ball into the box, but a VCU defender was there to head it away. The Patriots earned their first corner kick in the third minute, setting the tone for their early attacking intent. George Mason continued to showcase their strength on set pieces, drawing a penalty kick after a handball on a shot attempt inside the box. As she has done all season, defender Zoë Vidaurre stepped up with composure and confidently slotted the ball into the net for the Green and Gold, recording her sixth goal of the season.
However, after Mason took the early lead, VCU responded with increased pressure, turning the match into a back-and-forth battle. Both teams fought to gain control in the midfield and struggled to establish consistent offensive rhythm. A set-piece sequence for the Rams led to a breakthrough, as they found the equalizer in the 27th minute. The rest of the first half played out as a tense and evenly matched contest, with both sides trading possession and probing for attacking openings.
The Rams came out aggressive to start the second half. In the opening minute, a VCU player launched a lofted ball from midfield that bounced behind the Mason backline, setting up a dangerous run for their attacker in the box. Defender Carly Passaro reacted swiftly, matching the run and positioning herself between the attacker and the ball to make a crucial defensive stop. She cleared the threat, keeping the match level.
The Patriots created promising chances in the second half. In the 48th minute, Ariana Bliven made a strong run down the wide left channel in Mason's attacking third and delivered a low-driven shot from the corner of the box. Adriana Bonanno intercepted the ball before the VCU goalkeeper could collect it, redirecting it toward Aaliyah Schinaman, who was also making a run. Schinaman tapped the ball seemingly over the goal line just as the goalkeeper caught it—but the play was called back for offside. In In the 49th minute, a long cross was delivered into the 18-yard box, finding an open Molly Starner. Starner directed a header toward goal, but it went straight into the hands of VCU's Mia Pongratz.
Since VCU capitalized on their chances in the 59th and 62nd minutes to take the lead over Mason, the Rams shifted their focus to defense, committing more players to the backline. The increased defensive pressure effectively disrupted the Patriots' attacking rhythm, preventing them from building sustained offensive threats. VCU controlled the remainder of the match, maintaining their two-goal advantage through the final whistle.
HOW THEY SCORED
George Mason
3' | Gianna Chrapek delivered a corner kick that was tipped by Mia Pongratz into the crossbar. The rebound fell to Adriana Bonanno, who fired a shot that struck the left arm of VCU's Isabelle Franklin, resulting in a penalty kick. Zoë Vidaurre converted from the spot, slotting the ball into the lower left corner despite the VCU goalkeeper guessing correctly and attempting a diving save.
VCU
27' | The Patriots cleared a VCU corner kick that was delivered into the box. Ishpreen Marwah recovered the loose ball near the edge of the Rams' attacking third and served a cross about 12 yards in front of goal. Kendyl Sarver got between Libby Davy and the ball, finding herself with an open net to score.
59' | Jordyn Hall took a throw-in for VCU and received the ball back immediately. She drove toward the center of the field and attempted a forward pass into the box for Kendyl Sarver, but a Mason defender intercepted and cleared it. The ball landed at the feet of Keira Connolly, positioned approximately 30 yards out on the flank. Connolly struck a powerful shot toward the top left corner, threading it through Libby Davy's fingertips and into the net.
62' | Y-Van Nguyen floated a pass behind the Mason backline. The ball was recovered near the left flank, where a through ball was sent into the middle to Kendyl Sarver. Sarver laid it back to Nguyen at the top of the 18-yard box, who struck a low-driven shot toward goal. Jazmin Jackson redirected the ball from the top of the 6-yard box, tapping it into the lower left corner beyond the reach of Libby Davy.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
The Rams outshot the Patriots 13-8, including an 8-3 advantage in shots on goal. Despite George Mason earning six corner kicks compared to VCU's one, the Patriots were unable to capitalize on their set-piece opportunities.
The game was physically contested on both sides, with Mason committing 12 fouls and VCU 13, reflecting the intensity and competitive nature of the all-Virginia matchup.
NEXT FOR MASON
George Mason will stay at home to host Davidson this Thursday, October 16. Kickoff is set for 7 PM. The game will be available to be streamed on ESPN+.
