Sunday, September 2
Fairfax, Va.
1:00 p.m.
East Carolina University
1
at
2
George Mason
Photo by: Rob Goldberg
Pirates Fall to George Mason 2-1
September 02, 2018 | Soccer
FAIRFAX, VA. – An early goal was not enough as the ECU women's soccer team suffered its first loss of the season, falling to George Mason 2-1 on Sunday afternoon in George Mason Stadium.
"Any loss is disappointing, but even more when you get outworked by your opponent," said head coach Jason Hamilton. "Hats off to George Mason. I thought we started the game off strong, but from the minute we scored to the end of the game, they outworked us."
After falling behind early in three of their first four matches, the Pirates (3-1-2) were able to open the scoring for the second straight game on Sunday. The goal came in the 13th minute and was set up by a cross. Daria Draovitch played the ball into the George Mason box from the right wing and Chentay Warnes was the first player to the ball. Her header was blocked by a Patriot defender, but the rebound fell to Jenna Dages who finished into the back of the net. Dages has now scored in three consecutive games, the first Pirate to do so since Kendall Frey scored in four straight games during the 2013 season.
Less than seven minutes later, George Mason (3-2-0) was level. Jewel Christian's through ball sprung Gabriela Rivera down the left side of the ECU box and she squared a pass to Emma Van Der Horst who scored.
After the two teams remained deadlocked at halftime, George Mason took its first lead 11 minutes into the second half. The Patriots earned a corner kick and although ECU cleared the initial cross, it fell to Mason Elbeck, who was waiting at the top of the ECU penalty area. Elbeck collected the ball and lofted a shot that found the upper left corner of the Pirate goal.
"Sunday games are tough, but they are tough for both teams," Hamilton said. "They just wanted it more on the day."
ECU tried to keep its winning streak going as the Pirates pressed forward. ECU took five shots after falling behind. The closest came when Addison Salz let loose a long range shot, but it caught the top of the crossbar and Warnes was unable to control the rebound. The Patriot defense held strong though and did not allow the Pirates to tie the score.
"We have to find a way to fight through the fatigue and be mentally stronger," added Hamilton. "We got in our own way a lot. When you get tired, your decision making starts to go and we have to push through it to make better decisions."
George Mason finished with a 15-10 edge in shots and a 9-1 advantage in corners. Melanie Stiles made six saves for ECU in goal in the loss.
The Pirates return home on Thursday night to host Campbell. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., in Johnson Stadium.
"Any loss is disappointing, but even more when you get outworked by your opponent," said head coach Jason Hamilton. "Hats off to George Mason. I thought we started the game off strong, but from the minute we scored to the end of the game, they outworked us."
After falling behind early in three of their first four matches, the Pirates (3-1-2) were able to open the scoring for the second straight game on Sunday. The goal came in the 13th minute and was set up by a cross. Daria Draovitch played the ball into the George Mason box from the right wing and Chentay Warnes was the first player to the ball. Her header was blocked by a Patriot defender, but the rebound fell to Jenna Dages who finished into the back of the net. Dages has now scored in three consecutive games, the first Pirate to do so since Kendall Frey scored in four straight games during the 2013 season.
Less than seven minutes later, George Mason (3-2-0) was level. Jewel Christian's through ball sprung Gabriela Rivera down the left side of the ECU box and she squared a pass to Emma Van Der Horst who scored.
After the two teams remained deadlocked at halftime, George Mason took its first lead 11 minutes into the second half. The Patriots earned a corner kick and although ECU cleared the initial cross, it fell to Mason Elbeck, who was waiting at the top of the ECU penalty area. Elbeck collected the ball and lofted a shot that found the upper left corner of the Pirate goal.
"Sunday games are tough, but they are tough for both teams," Hamilton said. "They just wanted it more on the day."
ECU tried to keep its winning streak going as the Pirates pressed forward. ECU took five shots after falling behind. The closest came when Addison Salz let loose a long range shot, but it caught the top of the crossbar and Warnes was unable to control the rebound. The Patriot defense held strong though and did not allow the Pirates to tie the score.
"We have to find a way to fight through the fatigue and be mentally stronger," added Hamilton. "We got in our own way a lot. When you get tired, your decision making starts to go and we have to push through it to make better decisions."
George Mason finished with a 15-10 edge in shots and a 9-1 advantage in corners. Melanie Stiles made six saves for ECU in goal in the loss.
The Pirates return home on Thursday night to host Campbell. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., in Johnson Stadium.
Players Mentioned
Forward
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Midfield/Forward
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Midfield/Forward
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Goalkeeper
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Forward
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