Mason women's soccer falls to Richmond 2-1

The loss drops Mason to 6-8-1 overall (photo courtesy of gomason.com)

Mason women’s soccer fell to Richmond 2-1 in double-overtime on Saturday at George Mason Stadium.

Both teams managed just eight shots total in the first half, and played conservatively until the 40^th minute. Richmond forward Shannon Colligan had a breakaway and took advantage of a mistake by the Patriot defense, which led to a one-on-one opportunity with Mason goalkeeper Lyndse Hokanson who made an incredible save.

The game opened up in the second half, with both teams playing significantly more aggressive on offense, setting up more quality scoring chances. It continued to be a physical, hard-fought match.

Richmond broke through in the 51^st minute when defender Daria Podmajersky scored a header goal that was assisted by defender Kaleigh Kurtz. Following the goal, Richmond kept pushing to try and increase their lead. Richmond had a great opportunity when Sara Hardison had a shot with 22 minutes left in the second half, but Hokanson came up with another great save.

The Patriots tied the game in the 83^rd minute when forward Emma Star scored outside the box on a beautiful shot from the corner placed perfectly below the crossbar. The shot came as a result of a desperate push, as the Patriots were trying to tie the game.

With the score tied 1-1 in the 85^th minute, the Patriots were awarded a red card against them, forcing them to play down a man only two minutes after the tying goal.

The game looked like it would end up tied as Hokanson came up with several terrific saves in both overtime periods. However, Richmond forward Shannon Colligan scored off a corner kick in the final minute of double-overtime to win the game for the Spiders.

The loss drops Mason to 6-8-1 overall and 3-2 in Atlantic 10 conference play. Richmond improved to 5-7-2 overall and 2-2 in conference play.

The Patriots next matchup is against George Washington on Friday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. at home.