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VILLANOVA, Pa. -- The Patriots (0-3-1, 0-0) dropped their hard-fought match against the Wildcats (2-2, 0-0) by a score of 2-0 at the Higgins Soccer Complex. Villanova took the lead in the 66th minute with a goal by Morgan Kotch, assisted by Alex Little. 

The Wildcats extended their lead to 2-0 in the 84th minute with a goal off a rebound by Avrie Nelsen into the back left corner of the net.

GMU goalkeeper Libby Davy recorded a season and George Mason high of seven saves in the match. She made several impressive saves, including a foot save in the 37th minute, and punching a header over the goal to prevent the Wildcats from cashing in on another scoring opportunity. 

Villanova had two early chances within the first three minutes, all of which were defended well by Mason. Minutes later, Mason threatened with a corner by Gianna Chrapek, which was stopped by the Villanova defense.

Zoe Vidaurre's defensive prowess was on full display throughout the first half, helping to disrupt numerous shot attempts by the Wildcats. Villanova had several early chances which sailed above the crossbar.

The Patriots' first scoring opportunity came by way of a free kick just outside the top of the box by Reyes, but it was stopped by the Wildcats' keeper. Villanova's offense responded with a shot that missed the net. The Green and Gold came out swinging in the second half, with a corner in the 47th minute that was stopped by Villanova's goalkeeper. 

HOW THEY SCORED
66' l Morgan Kotch scored off an inlet pass by Alex Little, and sent it into the bottom left corner
84' l Avrie Nelsen fielded a rebound in the box and found the bottom left corner of the net

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Mason had the edge in saves, 7-2, thanks to outstanding efforts by Libby Davy. Villanova had the slight edge in corner kicks, recording nine to GMU's seven. Villanova was dominant on the offensive possession part of the game, logging nine shots on goal. Mason midfielders Mia Arevalo-Delcid and Gianna Chrapek, defenders Madyson Taylor, Zoe Vidaurre, and Maria Franjicic, played the full 90 minutes. 

NEXT FOR MASON
The Patriots will return to Pennsylvania to face off against the University of Pennsylvania this Sunday, August 31 at 2 p.m. "We're looking forward to continuing to grow as a unit and play cohesively", said defender Carly Passaro. The Patriots are looking to bounce back in Philadelphia on Sunday with a win.