SPORTS
Men’s Soccer Outlasts George Mason 3-2 to Earn First Win
DAVIDSON, N.C. – A 65th-minute own goal proved to be the decisive factor Friday night at Alumni Stadium as the Davidson College men’s soccer team outlasted George Mason 3-2 to earn its first win of the 2026 season.
The Wildcats move to 1-0-4 and 1-0 in Atlantic 10 play with the win, remaining unbeaten in the 2026 season. The Patriots fall to 1-3-1 with the setback.
Nico Zeballos got Davidson on the board early in the 14th minute, capitalizing on a forced turnover by Aiden Boudro, who found Zeballos in space for the opening finish. George Mason responded in the 35th minute when Kelly Janssen netted his first goal of the night to equalize.
The Wildcats reclaimed the lead late in the first half behind Myles Culley, the team’s leading scorer from a season ago. Culley notched his first score of the season by rising in the penalty box to head home a cross from Patrick Ward.
Janssen brought the Patriots level once more in the 54th minute, striking for his second goal of the match to tie it at 2-2.
The game-winning score unfolded in the 65th minute when Pablo Linzoain put a shot on frame. Patriot goalkeeper Angel Hernandez made the initial save, but the ball bobbled into the back of the net for an own goal, putting Davidson ahead for good.
Davidson’s backline held firm over the final 25 minutes to preserve the win. The teams ended the match tied in total shots, with the Wildcats holding a slim 8-7 edge in shots on target.
