Both the Eagles and Colonials remained deadlocked through a large portion of the first half until the Colonials won a penalty kick in the 27th minute of the match.

 

George Washington forward Garrett Heine slotted the ball home to the left of American keeper Dylan Hobert, giving the Colonials the 1-0 advantage.

 

Only six minutes later, the Eagles leveled the score line when junior Dale Ludwig played a through ball to fellow junior Kibu Mbaluku, who easily placed the ball past GW goalkeeper Thor Arne Hofs.

 

American took the lead late in the second half, off another assist from Ludwig with help from sophomore Nick Sifrin and junior Joe Iraola. The ball played across the box to Sifrin, who slid and redirected the ball to Iraola, who tapped the ball in to make the score 2-1.

 

"It was great to get the first win in a competitive local derby," said Eagles head coach Todd West. "We have some things to clean up in the attacking third, but I like the resolve to come from behind and find a way to win."

 

American is back in action at George Mason on Sunday at 7:30 as they play the tournament hosts and look to bring home the Cup.

The Eagles open their 2015 home schedule next Thursday at 3 p.m. against Howard.