Postgame Interview

WASHINGTON — Senior Joe Iraola and sophomore Garrett Muzikowski scored for the Eagles in the opening half to push AU over George Mason, 2-1, on Friday in the season opener at Reeves Field. 

The Eagles captured the Kuykenstrong DC College Cup with the win in front of 400 fans. American (1-0) outshot Mason, 17-10, and held a dominating 13-1 edge in shots after 45 minutes. 

"I'm very proud of the team today." said head coach Todd West " We pushed George Mason in the first half and was happy with the performance." 

Freshman Max Holdsworth started the offense for the Eagles with a crisp through ball to Iraola, who blasted the ball from 16 yards out. 

With less than a minute remaining in the frame, senior Chris Fanet places a nice ball over to Muzikowski to give the Eagles a two-goal lead with 12 ticks remaining. 

"Garret is a hard-nosed player." West. "He is not afraid to play tough and be a pain to the opposition." 

Senior Lucas Belanger made six stops including three straight saves on Tunde Akinlosotu moments before the Patriots got on the board.

GMU's Henning Dirks send a through ball over to Daniel Hoffman with 2:28 left in the contest to put the Patriots within reach. However, a tactical yellow card by junior Joel Hart on a restart and Iraola using the corners of the field propelled the Eagles to victory.

American will hit the road this Monday to face 19th-ranked South Florida at 7 p.m.