Fairfax, Va. - The George Mason Patriots (4-6-2, 3-1-0 A-10) recorded a season-high four goals in a dominant 4-0 win against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies (3-7-2, 0-4-0 A-10) on Thursday night at George Mason Stadium.
Mason extends its winning streak against St. Bonaventure to three games and improves its all-time series record to 6-2-1. The Patriots also remain undefeated at home against the Bonnies.
The Patriots delivered a commanding performance in front of their home crowd. The recent surge in offensive form from Mason was on full display. From the opening minute, the Green and Gold controlled possession, connected on long balls, and exploited the wide areas effectively to create more avenues to attack.
Mason's relentless forward play constantly created chaos in the box. The Patriots' sustained pressure in the final third eventually resulted in two penalties in the first half as the Bonnies struggled to contain their attack. Defender Zoë Vidaurre stepped up to take both and converted each one, earning her first career brace. Vidaurre continues her scoring streak, having now netted five goals across four consecutive matches.
Midfielder Molly Starner also recorded her first career brace. Her first goal of the match came in the 55th minute. In the previous play, Gianna Chrapek was left unmarked near the 18-yard line, where she unleashed a powerful strike toward goal. Despite her shot being blocked by a St. Bonaventure player, Chrapek earned a crucial corner for the Patriots. Chrapek herself stepped up to take the corner kick, as she has consistently done all-season long. Chrapek's well-placed corner was met with Zoë Vidaurre's header, forcing the Bonnies' goalkeeper into a save that deflected off the crossbar. As the rebound dropped back into play, Molly Starner was perfectly positioned to head it home, capitalizing on the moment.
Starner's second goal of the match - and third of the season - came in the 61st minute. Shortly after a throw-in, Gianna Chrapek delivered a long ball out wide to Madyson Taylor, who made a threatening run down the flank. Taylor served a dangerous ball into the box, which was miscleared by a St. Bonaventure defender. The loose ball fell to Starner, who calmly finished with a beautifully placed strike into the top left corner.
Throughout the full 90 minutes, George Mason's defense excelled. The Patriots stifled the Bonnies' attack with key blocks, timely interceptions, and decisive clearances – preventing the visitors from finding rhythm in the final third. When asked during the post-game interview about which aspects of the match the defense performed particularly well in to help secure the shutout, defender Zoë Vidaurre credited moving quickly along the back line, making sure they got into their positions promptly, and passing the ball as fast as they could. With the 4-0 victory, goalkeeper Libby Davy records her fourth shutout of the season.
HOW THEY SCORED
George Mason
17' | Zoë Vidaurre converted a penalty after a handball was called in the box against St. Bonaventure
20' | Zoë Vidaurre converted a penalty after Ariana Bliven drew a foul on the edge of the box
55' | Molly Starner headed in a rebounded ball; Assisted by Gianna Chrapek and Zoë Vidaurre
61' | Molly Starner strikes a miscleared cross by Madyson Taylor into the top-left corner
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
The Patriots outshot the Bonnies 13-4, including a 7-2 advantage in shots on goal. George Mason earned 7 corner kicks compared to St. Bonaventure's three.
Nine different Patriots registered at least one shot, showcasing the team's balanced and aggressive attacking approach.
NEXT FOR MASON
George Mason will head to Pittsburgh to face Duquesne University this Sunday, October 5. Kickoff is set for 1 PM. The game will be available to be streamed on ESPN+.
