Fairfax, Va. -- George Mason (0-5-1, 0-0) was narrowly defeated by Elon (5-0-2, 0-0) on Sunday afternoon by a score of 2-0 at Mason's home stadium. The Phoenix scored their first goal on a penalty kick after the previous attempt was called back.

Elon extended its lead in the 36th minute with a goal by Ashlee Brehio, assisted by Isa Murdock and Megan Dwyer. It was Brehio's first goal of the season. 

The Patriots had the edge in corner kicks, 5-2, but failed to convert. The Green and Gold also out-shot the Phoenix 16-4, with Elon goalkeeper Katie Bisgrove making three saves. Mason was in control for a majority of the game, possessing the ball for 57 minutes. 

George Mason's first scoring opportunity came in the 11th minute, which saw Mason defender Ariana Bliven attempt a shot inside the box, but it was blocked by an Elon defender. Five minutes later, forward Ariana Reyes took a shot from 15 yards out, with the Phoenix goal-minder saved.

Forward graduate student Aaliyah Schinaman nearly scored on the header from a pass into the box, unfortunately the ball barely missed the far post to keep the score at 1-0. Midfielder Molly Starner recorded three shots on goal in 39 minutes of play, tied for the most on the team with Ariana Reyes. 

In a post-game interview, head coach Aaron Brunner expressed optimism about his squad's direction, stating that he's "very excited about the progress that has been made thus far and the improvements in the way the team is playing... I'm looking forward to conference play" coming soon. George Mason's first conference matchup is slated for September 20 against George Washington. 

HOW THEY SCORED

21' l Penalty kick goal by Ava Hellner
36' l Ashlee Brehio found the back of the net, being assisted by Isa Murdock and Megan Dwyer

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

The Patriots had the advantage in shots, 16-4. Of those shots, ten came in the first half and six in the second. Additionally, George Mason recorded five corner kicks to Elon's two. Further, seven different Patriots played the full 90 minutes. 

NEXT FOR MASON

This Thursday, September 11 at 6 p.m., the Patriots will travel to Baltimore, Maryland to face off against Loyola University of Maryland. GMU is looking to secure its first win of the season and continuing to progress in their team-first play-style, as stated by Brunner.