Despite having several scoring chances through the first 65 minutes of play, it looked as if American was heading in the direction of its' second straight overtime game in the championship match of the D.C. College Cup against George Washington.
Freshman Shawn Kuykendall squelched any thoughts of that when he put home a flick from Adam Rosen in the 76th minute, giving the Eagles the advantage it would need to take a 1-0 win over the Colonials, and capture the Cup's championship.
American came out of the gates quickly against George Washington, and played a solid attacking style through much of the first half. It outshot the Colonials, 20-7, for the contest.
The Eagles peppered the goal with shots, but could not find the back of the net. Rosen had an excellent scoring opportunity just 17 minutes in, and freshman forward Andrew Herman got in one-on-one with Colonial keeper Nick Parypinski, who made a brilliant diving stop.
AU's defense was solid for the second straight game, as it did not allow George Washington many true scoring chances. Tournament MVP Bobby Brennan, and fellow All-Tournament selection, Larry McDonald, controlled the latter portion of the field, allowing AU's midfielders the opportunity to move forward, setting up several potential scoring runs.
American keeper Michael Behonick, who registered his second straight shutout, was also named to the All-Tournament team, as was forward Kris Bertsch.
The Eagles' only tally came on a cross from Melvin Espinal, who was on the right flank. He sent the ball into the box to a waiting Adam Rosen, who flicked it across the goal mouth to Kuykendall. The quick play forced Parypinski out of position, and Kuykendall deposited the ball in the lower right corner of the net.
The 2-0 start is American's best since the 1995 season, when that squad began 3-0, and claimed the title at the UVA Coca-Cola Classic.
American returns to action next Friday and Sunday, Sept. 7-9, when it takes part in the Maryland Fila Classic. The Eagles face Virginia at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, and then take on local rival Maryland at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
