SPORTS

DAVIDSON, N.C. – Daniel Damiani’s 26th minute goal proved to be the difference as George Mason edged Davidson, 1-0, in Atlantic 10 men’s soccer action Saturday evening at Alumni Stadium.

The setback drops the Wildcats to 8-6-2 overall and 4-2-1 in league play, while the Patriots improve to 6-7-0 and 4-3-0.

Despite a number of scoring chances in the first half, including two that required team saves by Mason, Davidson trailed 1-0 at the break.

Just prior to Damiani’s eventual game-winner, Jaylen Thompson had a rip from just in front, that a Patriot defender cleared off the end line.

Davidson outshot George Mason 15-10 and held a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks.

With just under 9 minutes to play, Jamie DiLuzio had a direct look from about 15 yards out, but his attempt was hit right at Mason’s keeper, Clark Gronek, who finished with a game-high five saves.

Freshman Henry Howell also put two shots on frame for the Wildcats, while Lucas Hauth and Jordan Hill had scoring opportunities of their own in the first half.

Prior to the contest, Davidson honored its 2018 Senior Class – Tanner Carlson, Drew Krueger, Jordan Hill, Seth Rinkevich, Aidan Peterson and Coleman Richards.

Up Next
Davidson will conclude its regular season with a 7 p.m. contest at Duquesne on Wednesday in Pittsburgh.

Postgame Comments from Head Coach Matt Spear
First, I have to give credit to George Mason. It’s a big road win for them and you could tell it meant a lot to them.

For us, it was a relatively flat performance. Conference games require sharpness and commitment for 90 minutes. We needed to be more alert and respond better to the situation.

We had good chances early on from Jordan, Jaylen and Lucas.

But if your offense is not clicking then you have to get a shutout.

In the second half, Mason held firm and we also were not as poised as we needed to be with the officials and playing from behind. So we were not composed or loyal enough to what makes us succeed.