Mitchell Richtmyre/Fourth Estate

The Patriots lost to Saint Louis 2-1 in the Atlantic 10 semifinals

BY CHRISTIAN SEGOVIA, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

On Nov. 13, Mason men’s soccer season came to an end in the Atlantic 10 semifinals with a 2-1 defeat against Saint Louis. The Patriots’ season officially ended on Nov. 18, when they were not included in the NCAA Tournament field.

In the first half, Mason and Saint Louis were balanced. During Mason’s possessions, Saint Louis applied pressure on the ball causing Mason to turn the ball over. 

In the 32nd minute, Saint Louis midfielder Drake Fournier found forward Matthew Wrobel inside the box. Wrobel kicked the ball into the bottom right corner to go up 1-0.

In the 41st minute, Saint Louis forward Luis Lara took a free kick from the left side of the field, finding Max Floriani inside the box. Floriani used his head to hit the ball into the upper left corner, putting the Billikens up 2-0.

In the second half, Mason came out more aggressive. Mason passed the ball from the left side of the field, to the middle and the right side of the field, trying to find any chance to score. 

In the 65th minute, Mason midfielder Henry Wachsman, on the right side of the field, crossed the ball inside the box to find Mason forward Marek Gonda. Gonda hit the ball with his head, putting the ball into the corner. The referee called the goal off due to a foul.

In the 70th minute, a penalty was given to Mason as Wachsman got fouled inside the box. Mason defender Javi Sanchez took the penalty and kicked the ball to the bottom left corner, making the score 2-1. This would be the last goal of the game.

Mason took 15 shots with six on target. Saint Louis took four shots with two on target. Mason was called offsides three times, while Saint Louis was called off once. 

Mason dominated the game in possession, with 66%. The Patriots failed to capitalize on their domination and possession, allowing the Billikens to secure a berth in the A-10 championship.

Despite the loss, George Mason Stadium had an intense atmosphere throughout the game. The Patriots won 13 games throughout the season with head coach Rich Costanzo winning Coach of the Year in the A-10.

Saint Louis went on to lose to Dayton in the final round of the A-10 tournament.