George Washington University

Sept. 22, 2009

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - George Washington sophomore defender Mike Burke scored an equalizing goal in the 79th minute to force overtime, but No. 11/13 Virginia scored the golden goal two minutes into the extra session to defeat the Colonials men's soccer team, 2-1, before 723 spectators at Klöckner Stadium Tuesday evening.

For GW (3-3-0), it was the closest of its four all-time matches with Virginia (5-1-0), falling by at least three goals in three previous losses between 1982 and 1994.

Burke equalized for the Colonials in the 79th minute, heading in a cross from classmate Yoni Berhanu. Berhanu shed his defender down the left wing and floated a cross from the end line to the far post where Burke, who had entered the match less than two minutes prior, headed in his first collegiate goal.

However, Virginia's Neal Barlow took advantage of a deflected pass to break lose inside the box and chip a shot past redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Erik Haug just 1:59 into the first overtime for the game-winning goal. Despite allowing the goal, Haug, making only his second collegiate appearance, was solid off his line and made one save in 63 minutes of action.

The nationally ranked Cavaliers (#11 NSCAA/#13 Soccer America) took an early lead in the sixth minute on a successful penalty kick from Hermann Trophy candidate Tony Tchani. Senior defender Byron Walker was whistled for a sliding tackle on Chris Agorsor in the 18-yard box and Tchani snuck the free kick past freshman goalkeeper Brendan Lafferty into the lower right corner.

The Colonials applied steady pressure through the middle of the first half. In the 20th minute, senior Hermann Trophy candidate Andy Stadler took aim from 35 yards out, but his shot sailed just over the upper right corner. Five minutes later, Stadler won a free kick 25 yards from goal, but his shot hit the Cavaliers' wall.

Virginia's Jimmy Simpson had an opportunity inside the box in the 30th minute, but Lafferty charged and kicked away the attempt. However, Lafferty was injured on the play, forcing Haug into action.

The Cavaliers held a 15-6 edge in shots, including an 8-2 margin in the second half, but only a 4-2 advantage in shots on goal. Lafferty made one save in 30 minutes of play, while Diego Restrepo recorded one stop in 100 minutes.

GW returns to Mount Vernon Field Saturday to host Mount St. Mary's at 3:00 pm. The Colonials have beaten the Mount by one-goal margins each of the last two seasons.