[TOP 25 SPOTLIGHT] Coached by former Columbus Crew coach Greg Andrulis, George Mason makes its first appearance in theSoccer America Men’s Top 25 this season at No. 18 following its 1-0 win over Old Dominion, which went into the game unbeaten and untied with the nation’s best offense.
Freshman Verneri Valimaa and Leo Stolz and sophomore Wesley Sever all had good chances in the first half for thePatriots, but ODU’s French goalkeeper, Victor Francoz, could not be beaten.
Mason finally broke through in the 64th minute when it was awarded apenalty kick. Francoz made a diving save to his right on Morgan’s penalty kick, but the Englishman collected the rebound and scored on his second shot.
The Patriots have gotten qualityresults in their last three outings: 1-1 tie with No. 10 UCF, 2-1 win over Cal State Fullerton, which was ranked at the time, and now its win over ODU.
Taylor joined the Patriots last season from Central Connecticut State, and two transfers — Paul Andrews from Division II champion Northern Kentucky andJulio Arjona from West Virginia — started against ODU, and Sean O’Reilly, a transfer from St. Francis (Pa.) working onhis master’s in sports management, saw action off the bench.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? At 20, Fro Adu, youngerbrother of Freddy Adu, has already finished up his college eligibility at GMU and working with the Patriots this fall as a volunteer assistant coach.
HALL OF FAME. Four former players were inducted into the George Mason Men’s Soccer Hall of Fame in a ceremony held during halftime of the Old Dominion match:Mark Ryan (1994-97), Greg Franzke (1989-92), Bob Lilley (1984-87) and