FAIRFAX, VA – Hartwick came away empty but with a very solid effort against the 22^nd ranked team in the country on Sunday as George Mason defeated the Hawks 1-0. The deciding goal came in the 59^th minute on a tally from Henning Dirks. The game was the second straight for ’Wick against a nationally ranked opponent after Friday’s match with #19 American.
            “We couldn’t have asked for a more physical and competitive effort from start to finish today,” said Hartwick head coach John Scott. “We knew it would be a difficult game and although it’s another defeat, we are doing a lot of good things.”
            Scott’s Hawks had the majority of the ball possession in the first half of play. Chances were limited for both teams, however, as only six shots were registered over the first 45 minutes.
            Junior back Jack Miller (Commack, NY/Commack) had a good opportunity with about 11 and a half minutes left. His left-footer from the corner of the Patriots’ box screamed just high. Sophomore back Kit Tregear (Brighton, England/BHASVIC) also had a strong shot from the top of the box less than two minutes before halftime but his effort was right at GMU keeper Steffan Kraus.  
            Hartwick finished the first half out-shooting the Patriots 4-2. GMU had a 4-2 advantage in corners.
            George Mason had its best opportunity to score almost 12 minutes into the second half as Daniel Hoffman rang his shot off the crossbar. The Patriots would keep the pressure up and they were rewarded roughly two minutes later.
            A long throw-in from Brice Colcombe sailed all the way into the Hartwick box and made its way to the far post to Dirks. He collected the ball on his chest, flicked it over a ’Wick defender, and volleyed home past Tom Buckner (Oxford, England/Henley College) from in close for a one-goal lead for the hosts.
            The Hawks had a few good looks later in the half. Forward Mike Rood (Conklin, NY/Susquehanna Valley) had a shot go just wide of the Patriot goal with 15 minutes to go.
            Later, forward Wyatt Scott (Cicero, NY/Cicero-N. Syracuse) broke into the box and had a lane to shoot but he played the ball across to Rood who was just beaten to the ball by a GMU defender who played the ball out of bounds. Rood got one more shot off following a corner but he couldn’t get over the ball and put his shot wide.
            The Hawks had a free kick and a corner kick in the final minute of play but couldn’t muster a shot and the Patriots survived. ’Wick closed the contest with a 7-6 edge in shots.
            “In the first half we were the better team,” added Scott. “The second half was decided by the break of the ball in the box.”
            Buckner would make a total of two saves in the match. Kraus also stopped two for the hosts.
            The Hawks are back in action on Saturday, September 20 as they host the Albany Great Danes.
            “We’ll come through with a tough mental resolve and by sticking together,” Scott said. “We have too much quality to not get a break soon.

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