Cody Norman, Broadside Correspondent
The George Mason University men’s soccer team lost its second-straight Colonial Athletic Association game, losing to the Hofstra Pride by a final score of 2-0 on Wednesday night.
After the loss, the Patriots’ record fell to 8-5-1 overall and 3-3-1 in CAA conference matches. With 10 points, the Patriots are in sixth place in the conference with only four contests remaining in the 2009 season.
On the other hand, the Pride continue to hold the lead in the CAA standings. Despite having a 7-5-1 overall record, five of their wins have come against conference opponents.
The Pride took a 1-0 lead midway through the first half after a 25-yard shot by midfielder Rob Youhill found the upper-right corner of the net. Youhill notched his fifth goal of the season.
They added to their lead in the final minutes when Hofstra forward Johannes Grahn beat senior goalkeeper Sean Kelley on a penalty kick for the final goal of the contest. Grahn added his team-leading sixth goal of the season.
The Patriots missed on their best scoring opportunity just moments prior to the Pride’s first goal.
After a cross from the right sideline found sophomore forward Draymond Washington inside the penalty box, Washington took a low shot at the goal but Hofstra goalkeeper Greg Cumpstone smothered the ball to keep the game scoreless.
Washington, who entered the game tied for the lead on the team with four goals, nearly tallied his fifth of the season.
Mason trails the Pride by six points in the standings, but they are still fighting for a spot in the conference tournament.
Mason will need to catch up to the William & Mary Tribe, who are currently fourth in the CAA with 13 points, to clinch a spot in the tournament.
The team will have two tough opponents in the UNC-Wilmington Seahawks and Old Dominion Monarchs in the final two games of the regular season.
The Patriots returned to action against the Georgia State Panthers on Oct. 24 for a 7 p.m. kickoff at George Mason Stadium.
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