Revenge of the Patriots

Rematch of 2008 Sweet 16

By Broadside Correspondent Ebad Khan

The highly anticipated matchup between the George Mason University men’s soccer team and the Maryland Terrapins will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

The Patriots will look to avenge their 2-0 loss on Nov. 25 last season in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Terrapins, the second-seed in the tournament, ended the dreams of the Patriot hopefuls, who advanced to the second round of the big tournament for the first time since 1996.

Mason’s eight-game winning streak was snapped, sending seven of the Mason’s finest into collegiate retirement.

For the Terrapins, they were able to enjoy their 2008 season on top, defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels in the national title game.

The senior co-captains midfielder Richard Edgar and goalkeeper Sean Kelley, who were also named to the 2009 Preseason All-CAA Team, plan to lead the young Patriots and seek revenge on a talented Maryland team.

Mason started the season 3-2 with victories over the Howard Bison, Presbyterian Blue Hose, and the Richmond Spiders.

The Patriots took the runner-up slot in the D.C. College Cup, suffering a 2-1 defeat to the American University Eagles.

Mason competed in the Adidas Gamecock Classic in South Carolina, but dropped a tough 1-0 loss to the host South Carolina Gamecocks. Mason finished in third place in the event.

The Terrapins, captained by forward Jason Herrick and defender Kevin Tangney, have begun the season 4-2-1.

Herrick matched his career high in goals with two and overall points with four against California Golden Bears on Sept. 6.

Tangney, a key defensive player, also scored a goal against Boston College Eagles on Sept. 11.
Historically, Mason has not faired well against the Terrapins, with an overall record of 5-8-1, but the Patriots will not let statistics levy the outcome of the game. After the hopeful defeat of Maryland, Mason will strive towards being crowned back-to-back champions in the CAA.