Long Island women fall to George Mason

Fairfax, Va. - The Long Island University women's soccer allowed just its second goal of the season, but dropped a narrow 1-0 decision at George Mason in the Mason Tournament on Friday night at George Mason Stadium. The Blackbirds allowed a goal early in the first half and were unable to find the equalizer before falling to 4-2-0 on the year.

LIU entered the contest with the eighth-ranked scoring defense, having allowed just one goal through five games, while George Mason (6-1-0) came into the evening with the fifth-ranked scoring offense at more than four goals per game.

The teams settled into a physical defensive struggle that featured a combined 15 shots and 23 fouls. The Patriots took the upper-hand in the early going and earned a free kick just outside the penalty area in the 19th minute. Omolyn Davis took the kick and found the head of Patti Benner on the left side who nodded a pass to Tiana Kallenberger on the opposite side of the area. Kallenberger settled the ball and put home her shot to give Mason a 1-0 lead.

Freshman Jennifer Bannon (East Greenwich, R.I.) kept the score the same in the 41st minute when she was able to turn away another chance by George Mason to keep the score the same. Moments later she turned back another Patriots offensive just before halftime to keep LIU within a goal.

The Blackbirds came out on the offensive early in the second half looking to level the score. LIU held a 3-2 shot edge after halftime and had two corner kicks, but were unable to convert. The best chance to get a goal came late in the contest in the 85th minute off a free kick by junior Samantha Bock (Fullerton, Calif.) saw her attempt sail just over the crossbar.

LIU held a commanding 7-1 advantage in corner kicks, but were outshot, 9-6. Bannon finished the game with four saves, while GMU's Katie Frey made three stops.

The Blackbirds close out the Mason Tournament on Sunday, Sept. 20, against William & Mary with a noon kickoff.