Aug. 21, 2009

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - George Mason forward Parker Walton scored the lone goal of the match in the 92nd minute, as the Patriots won their exhibition opener against Virginia, 1-0, on Friday evening at Klöckner Stadium in Charlottesville, Va.

After playing 90 minutes of scoreless soccer, Mason scored the game-winning goal within the first two minutes of the first overtime period. The Patriots found the back of the net when Anthony Han served a ball into the box that Cooper Barham redirected to Walton. Walton's shot beat Cavaliers' goalkeeper Will Whorton low and to his right for the golden goal.

Senior Sean Kelley had a superb night in goal for Mason, facing 18 shots from the Cavaliers in 90 minutes of action. Kelley finished with four saves in the match.

"I thought our guys played well for our first time out," said George Mason men's soccer head coach Greg Andrulis. "Coach Gelnovatch and his staff at Virginia have assembled an incredible group of players that is very well coached. They are a special team.

"On the night, we struggled to maintain possession and had to rely on a very young back four to defend for stretches, and we're pleased with their efforts. Having three true freshmen and a sophomore as a back four can be challenging, but they rose to the occasion and did a fine job. Sean Kelley was called upon many times on the night and was absolutely outstanding.

"We have a long way to go as a team, but as a work in progress, we are pleased with our effort and commitment. The next step for us is to continue to progress offensively and add some dimensions to our game."

George Mason continues its preseason schedule on Wednesday, Aug. 26 with a 1 p.m. match at UMBC in Baltimore, Md.