Box score (PDF)

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – George Mason senior forward Gabin Thomelier scored his first game-winning goal as a Patriot to lift the club to a 1-0 road victory at La Salle on Wednesday night at McCarthy Stadium in Philadelphia, Pa.

The Patriots won their third consecutive Atlantic 10 match, all by shutout, and now have 10 points in the conference standings.

George Mason (4-6-3, 3-2-1 A10) and La Salle (5-6-6, 1-3-2 A10) played a defensive first half with the Explorers recording four of the five shots on goal between the two clubs.

In the 52nd minute, La Salle junior forward Gabe Faust worked his way into the six-yard box for a one-on-one chance against Patriots sophomore goalkeeper Angel Hernandez and scored into the lower right corner.  After a VAR review, the Explorers were ruled offside on the play.

George Mason had an opportunity in the 70th minute on a through-ball down the left side.  The Patriots appeared to score but the play was ruled offside and after the second VAR review of the half, the call was confirmed to keep the match scoreless.

With 17 minutes remaining, sophomore forward Jaime Godinho found space inside the penalty area and took a shot from 12 yards out that whistled just wide of the left post.

The Patriots scored the lone goal of the match in the 78th minute off a set piece.  Senior midfielder Javier Montava Ortega played a free kick from 35 yards out toward the left post where fifth-yard midfielder Matias de Jesus headed the ball inside the six to Thomelier for the game-winning goal.

The Explorers nearly netted the equalizer with under four minutes remaining in the match but a shot from 10 yards out hit the crossbar.

HOW THEY SCORED

78'| Thomelier scored with the right foot from inside the six into the lower right corner.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Thomelier (84 MIN) scored his second goal of the season and his first game-winner with the Green and Gold.  Montava Ortega (90 MIN) recorded his first assist of the season, while de Jesus (90 MIN) notched his third assist of the year.  Senior midfielder James Eliuda (90 MIN) led the Patriots with three shots and had one shot on frame.

Hernandez made six saves to post his third straight clean sheet.

NEXT

The Patriots play their final home match of the regular season when they host Rhode Island on Sunday afternoon with the opening kick scheduled for 4 p.m. at George Mason Stadium.  The Patriots will celebrate Senior Day prior to the match.