Box Score In the final game of the 13th Annual D.C. College Cup the American University Men's Soccer team came up short at George Mason, 2-1. AU took an early lead but the Patriots came back and tied the match in the first half, before finding the go-ahead score early in the second half.
"We played a strong first half, but credit to George Mason defensively, not allowing us to find the equalizer late in the game," said head coach Todd West. "I was happy with our depth as shown by the fact that we started five freshmen. I don't see them as rookies. We started five soccer players that went out and competed."
The Eagles (1-1) struck first in the contest, drawing a penalty kick at 33:18. Senior captain Cristobal Soto stepped up to take the shot for AU and beat the keeper, faking left and going right for his first goal of the season.
The lead did not long however as a penalty call on American deep in their defensive zone led to a free kick for George Mason (2-0). Senior captain Billy Knutsen was able to make the initial save, but the ball deflected out and led a an opening for the Patriots and a 1-1 tie at 29:03.
The score went tied into the second, but did not last long as George Mason struck just over four minutes into the half to take their first lead of the game.
American had a good chance to erase the advantage only two minutes later on a free kick, but Charlie Hunter's boot was just inches off, finding the post.
The George Mason defense locked down for much of the second half, limiting the Eagles to only three shots in the second stanza.
With three minutes remaining, American went into full attack mode, searching for the equalizer, and despite some close chances, AU could not convert.
Knutsen, who made several diving and highlight-level saves for the Eagles, finished the game with six saves.
Both Hunter and rookie Joe Iraola tied for a team-high two shots while fellow freshman Dale Ludwig provided the other on goal.
After two road games to start the season, the Eagles return home to Reeves Field, hosting Binghamton on Friday, September 6 at 5 p.m., before taking on Denver on Sunday, September 8, at 1 p.m.
