George Washington University

Sept. 2, 2009

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FAIRFAX, VA - The George Washington men's soccer team suffered its first defeat in DC College Cup action in three seasons, dropping a 2-0 decision to intra-District rival American at George Mason Stadium Wednesday afternoon.

GW (0-1-0) had not lost in DC Cup action since the opening match of the 2006 event, a span of five matches with a 4-0-1 mark. The Colonials are the two-time defending champions, having won the event in 2007 and 2008.

Both teams shared quality scoring chances in the first half, but American closed the period with a late goal to grab a 1-0 lead at the half. In the 44th minute, Luis Martinez sent a pass into the left side of the 18-yard box onto David Menzie, who measured a shot into the right corner.

Despite being outshot 10-7 over the opening 45 minutes, GW had several quality opportunities. Redshirt senior Mike Rollings run down the left wing in the fifth minute produced a shot wide. Rollings again narrowly missed in the 30th minute when his link-up with sophomore Yoni Berhanu gave him an open look from 25 yards that just missed the left corner.

AU (1-0-0) added to its lead in the 74th minute when Karsten Smith's free kick from 40 yards snuck past a GW defender and redshirt junior goalkeeper Scott Goossens into an open net.

Less than a minute later, Goossens was issued a red card when he handled the ball outside the box as he charged on a streaking Eagles forward. The Colonials were then reduced to nine players in the 83rd minute when sophomore Jake Davis was sent off with red card.

Goossens made two saves in his first collegiate start, while freshman Brendan Lafferty made one stop in 15 minutes in his first action as a collegian. Both Goossens and Lafferty recorded diving saves to their left to prevent goals.

American finished with a 17-11 edge in shots, with each team even in shots on goal and corner kicks, 5-5. Rollings and Berhanu led GW with three shots apiece.

GW wraps play at the DC College Cup at George Mason Stadium Saturday against Howard at 5:00 pm. The Colonials still have a shot at claiming their third straight DC Cup title with a victory over the Bison and beneficial results from the event's other matches.