Virginia Drops 1-0 Exhibition Match To George Mason

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – George Mason forward Parker Walton scored the match’s lone goal in the 92nd minute, as the Virginia men’s soccer team dropped its first preseason exhibition match to the Patriots, 1-0, Friday at Klöckner Stadium.

The Cavaliers out-shot George Mason, 19-5, and held a 4-3 advantage on corner kicks. Head coach George Gelnovatch utilized the depth of his roster and all three Virginia goalkeepers saw action.

“We had a lot of quality chances,” Gelnovatch said. “It was evident that we have not worked a lot on finishing and we’re tired from a long three days. We will be better on Monday.”

The teams played to a scoreless first half, with UVa garnering the majority of scoring chances in the first period. In the 30th minute, Virginia had its best chance of the half when seniors Neil Barlow and Ross LaBauex connected in the Patriots’ defensive end. LaBauex fired a shot on goal but it was kick-saved at close range by George Mason goalkeeper Sean Kelley.

The Patriots nearly got on the board with less than five minutes left in the half, when Ryan Gracia rocketed a shot on goal. UVa starting goalkeeper Diego Restrepo came up with the save, however, and preserved the tie headed into halftime.

In the second half, Virginia continued to have scoring chances. Shawn Barry had a shot hit both posts but not go in, while freshman Shane Cooke one-touched a Barry cross that missed inches wide.

In the first extra period, George Mason found the back of the net when Anthony Han served a ball into the box that Cooper Barham played on to Parker Walton. Walton’s shot beat UVa goalkeeper Will Whorton low and to his right for the golden goal.

Virginia continues its preseason schedule with a Monday night exhibition match at Old Dominion. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.