FAIRFAX, Va. — George Mason (1-0-0) secured a decisive 4-1 victory over VMI (0-1-0) on Thursday night at George Mason Stadium. It marked the Patriots' first season-opening win since the 2018 season. In his postgame interview, head coach Aaron Brunner referred to the match as "a tale of two halves." The Patriots trailed by one goal after the first 45 minutes but came out in the second half with an aggressive attack that led to four unanswered goals.

HOW THEY SCORED
VMI
22' | Gianna Chrapek was called for a foul after tackling VMI's Rachel Baez in an attempt to win possession, awarding the Keydets a free kick. Goalkeeper Maren Ryberg, who showcased her ability to deliver long-range balls throughout the match, took the free kick from the halfway line and sent it into the box about 12 yards from goal. In a crowded penalty area, Jaleesa Eichel got her head to the ball and directed it into the bottom-right corner of the net.

GEORGE MASON
71' | Despite controlling possession and applying relentless offensive pressure to start the second half, the Patriots were unable to find the back of the net as the match approached the 20-minute mark. Still trailing 1-0, George Mason built its attack from the back, moving the ball around before Amy Angel sent a long-range ball from several yards past the halfway line toward Keira Jeffries, who was making a run toward goal.

VMI defender Jordan Davis stepped in front of Jeffries in an attempt to cut her off from the ball as the Keydets' goalkeeper moved to collect it. A defensive breakdown and Jeffries' relentless effort kept the play alive, as the freshman refused to give up on the ball. She fired a low shot into the bottom-left corner for her first collegiate goal in her debut.

81' | Kylie Beauregard was active in the attacking third on the left flank, sending a cross to the top of the 18-yard box that found graduate student Mia Casciani. Playing in her first regular-season game back after missing all of last year due to injury, Casciani settled the ball, turned around her defender and fired a low, driving shot between two Keydets and into the bottom-left corner.

85' | Gaining possession following a VMI header and misclearance of Gianna Chrapek's free kick from deep, Keira Jeffries made a run down the right flank. Jeffries sent the ball toward the far post, where Molly Starner kept it in play. Fresh off recording her first collegiate assist, Kylie Beauregard met the ball at the top of the six-yard box and fired a low shot past the goalkeeper and defender in front of her.

88' | Gianna Chrapek delivered a corner kick into the box, where Isabella Yousefi headed the ball straight toward the VMI goalkeeper. Keira Jeffries pounced on the rebound and fired a shot into the bottom-left corner for her second goal of the match, completing her first collegiate brace in her debut.

NEXT FOR MASON
The Patriots will look to carry their momentum into their first road match of the season when they travel to Harrisonburg, Va., to face the James Madison Dukes at Sentara Park on Sunday, Aug. 16, at 7 p.m. Fans can follow the action through live stats or watch the match on ESPN+.