Box score (PDF)
FAIRFAX, Va. - George Mason defender Zoë Vidaurre converted a penalty kick in the 68th minute of play to lift the Patriots to a 2-1 victory over George Washington in the Atlantic 10 opener on Saturday night at George Mason Stadium.
George Mason (2-5-2, 1-0-0 A-10) earned its 25th victory over George Washington (3-3-3, 0-1-0 A-10) in the all-time series.
Despite conceding an early goal in the seventh minute to the Revolutionaries' aggressive attack, the Patriots quickly regrouped. GW's defense withstood a surge of attempts from George Mason to equalize before midfielder Ariana Reyes' shot from beyond the 18 yard box found the back of the net. Before the first half ended, shots from Carly Passaro and Ariana Bliven forced saves from the Revolutionaries' goalkeeper.
While the beginning of the second half saw limited action, the Patriots' threatening presence in front of goal in the 68th minute resulted in GWU conceding a penalty kick. Vidaurre stepped up with composure and the redshirt senior buried her shot into the bottom left corner. As the clock was winding down, the Revolutionaries were relentless in their attempts to score. However, George Mason's defense proved to be even more unrelenting in maintaining their lead.
Patriots head coach Aaron Brunner says that as they continue on their conference play, this win will give the team confidence. Acknowledging the difficult competition in the Atlantic 10, Brunner expressed that "Every game is a game in itself. We have to focus on one game at a time."
HOW THEY SCORED
26' l Ariana Reyes scores a goal from distance
68' | Zoë Vidaurre converted a penalty kick
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
George Mason outshot George Washington 9-6. The Revolutionaries' lone goal in the seventh minute was their only shot on goal while the Patriots recorded five shots on goal in the match. George Mason secured the win despite George Washington having the advantage in corner kicks 5-4.
NEXT FOR MASON
George Mason will play their first conference road match against the University of Richmond next Thursday, September 25. Kickoff is set for 4:30 PM at President's Field at River Road. The game will be available to be streamed on ESPN+.
