Mason men's soccer team defeats Seton Hall 1-0

Mason men's soccer team defeats Seton Hall.

The George Mason University men’s soccer team played like a family Friday night during their 1-0 shutout victory over the Seton Hall Pirates. 

When they gathered around each other after the win that kept their undefeated season alive, the team yelled “family” on three.  The Patriots played every bit like a band of brothers during their dominating performance.

The game’s only goal came in the 60^th minute by senior midfielder Julio Arjona, following a corner from junior forward Timi Mulgrew.  Mulgrew’s corner was headed by Hugh Roberts and was able to find Arjona, who struck it far post for the eventual game winner.

“It happened so quick.  The ball got whipped in far post like we do on the practice field,” said Arjona about his first goal of the season. “I had a gut feeling he (Roberts) was going to head it back across and it just came right to my feet.”

The win keeps the Patriots season (4-0-1) perfect at home following five straight home games.  Seton Hall, who came in undefeated, left with their first loss to drop them to 2-1-2  on the season. 

“Getting a shutout against a team that is averaging almost three goals a game is a huge accomplishment,” said Head Coach Greg Andrulis after the win.  “The guys played their heart out.  I am glad we got to play against a real quality opponent and get tested a bit but we didn’t break.  The guys deserve a lot of credit.”

The Patriots dominated the game on both offense and defense.  Mason started shooting early and often which lead to plenty of opportunities from all around.  Six different players accounted for Mason’s ten shots, led by Mulgrew with four.

Mason utilized their speed and agility with their shots, outhustling Seton Hall to the ball on numerous occasions.  Right before the game’s only goal, a questionable no call was made by the referee when sophomore forward Jannik Eckenrode used his speed, but was tackled hard by a Seton Hall player in the box.  The Mason faithful did not like the no-call, chanting for a penalty kick.  Eckenrode had to leave the game with an injury.

The defense had an even stronger outing, continuing their amazing run of only two goals allowed this season.  Senior defensemen Zak Haapaoja and sophomore Taylor Washington played great defensively.  Washington played a beautiful one-on-one during the 19^th minute, not allowing a shot off. 

Freshman phenom goalie Steffen Kraus, coming off being named A-10 Men’s Soccer Rookie of the Week, registered his third shutout in five games thanks to only one shot on goal the entire game.

“It was an important win.  We were pretty good defensively,” said the German native Krauss.  “They had one shot on goal but no real chances.  I am just part of the team and look forward to our next game Tuesday.”

The Patriots were able to defend their home turf during their five game homestead without suffering a loss.  As head coach Andrulis said, “now we got to see what it is like to do it on the road,” referring to their next three games which will all be on the road starting with the Virginia Cavaliers Tuesday night.