The American University men's soccer team beat George Washington, 2-0, on Wednesday afternoon in the opening match of the season. Junior David Menzie and senior Karsten Smith scored goals for the Eagles in the victory, which took place at George Mason Stadium in Fairfax, Va., as part of the D.C. College Cup.

Menzie got American (1-0) on the board in the 44th minute with senior Luis Martinez picking up the assist on the play. The goal came off a throw-in that was controlled by Martinez, who played it perfectly to Menzie for the opening goal of the season.

The Eagles added insurance midway through the second half with Smith's goal, which came off a free kick from approximately 30 yards. The ball squeezed through the number of players that were gathered in front of the net, including AU's Martinez and Jack Scott.

Sophomore goalkeeper Matt Makowski was solid in net for the Eagles, recording five saves and picking up his seventh-career shutout. Senior defender Dor Yasur helped stabilize the defensive unit for American.

American outshot George Washington (0-1) by a margin of 17-11 in the contest, although each team recorded five shots on goal.

The match was a physical and chippy contest, as seven cards were given.

American will return to action on Saturday, September 5, at George Mason in its second match of the D.C. College Cup. First kick is set for 7:30 p.m. The Eagles will open the home part of the schedule on next Friday, September 11, at 3 p.m. against Princeton. The match versus the Tigers will be broadcasted live on Eagles Vision TV, which can be accessed through AUeagles.com.