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 Sophomore Andy Stadler matched a career-high with three points (1 g/1 a) to help GW to a 2-0 victory over American on Friday. |
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Men's Soccer Shuts Out American, 2-0, in DC College Cup Opener
Aug. 31, 2007
FAIRFAX, VA - The George Washington men's soccer team kicked off the 2007 season in fine fashion, netting a goal in each half to down American, 2-0, in the first match of the adidas DC College Cup, hosted by George Mason University, on Friday afternoon.
Sophomore Andy Stadler headed home a cross from senior Abimbola Pedro in the 40th minute and second-year midfielder Erick Perez-Segnini tacked on an insurance goal with nine seconds remaining to lift the Colonials over the Eagles for the second consecutive time. The season-opening victory is GW's first since topping Georgetown in the 2002 DC College Cup, a season in which the team went on to win the Atlantic 10 Championship.
Both teams' split scoring opportunities throughout the match, but the Colonials capitalized late in the first half when Pedro collected a ball near midfield. Pedro wheeled and fed Perez-Segnini on the left wing, then received a return pass into the left corner. Pedro sent a left-footed cross into the box and Stadler headed home the game-winner from five-yards away.
American midfielder Colin Zizzi was sent off with a red card in the 55th minute, forcing the Eagles to play with 10 men the remainder of the match. GW nearly took advantage of the man-up situation in the 67th minute when senior Thomas Stuber found himself open at the top of the 18-yard box. However, Stuber's one-timed shot sailed just over the crossbar. Stadler nearly netted his second goal of the match with less than seven minutes to play, but American goalkeeper Chris Sedlak recovered to knock down the 40-yard strike.
The Colonials struck late in the match due to the heads-up play of senior Matt Davis. Davis' quick throw-in sent Stadler streaking down the right wing and the sophomore delivered a one-touch ball across the box to Perez-Segnini, who slammed a shot to the lower left corner with nine seconds left. Stadler's three points tied a career-high set in a victory against Xavier last season.
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Senior goalkeeper Greg Yahr made four saves on 10 shots to earn his fourth career shutout. Sedlak also turned away four shots. GW outshot American 12-10.
GW will take on Howard at George Mason Stadium on Sunday at 1:00 pm. A victory will leave the Colonials in contention to claim their first Craig Tartasky Trophy, awarded to the champion of the adidas DC College Cup.
