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American Defeats George Mason, 3-0

American wins second straight game

Nov. 1, 2000

FAIRFAX, VA - American won its second straight game and third in its last four contests as it improved to 6-9-2 overall, 4-2-1 in the CAA. George Mason remained winless (0-3-1) in its last four games as it fell to 8-8-1 overall, 3-3-1 in the CAA. The Eagles took advantage of several George Mason defensive lapses. American broke the ice early, scoring in the fourth minute as freshman Melvin Espinal took a through pass from junior Matt Kopacka, found his way behind the defense and sent a shot inside the right post from 16 yards for his third goal of the season. The Eagles took a 2-0 advantage in the first half in the 33rd minute when junior Jon Colton stole a Patriot pass and lofted an 18-yard shot into the upper-left corner of the goal for his fourth tally of the year.

George Mason gained the better of play in the second half, outshooting American 16-5 in the second period (20-9 for the game), and had an opportunity to cut the margin in half in the 47th minute, but Eagle senior goalkeeper Michael Gorsegner saved a penalty kick by Patriot freshman Steve Luppert. American put the game away in the 73rd minute when junior Adam Rosen played a ball across the George Mason goalmouth and sophomore Kris Bertsch ran onto the loose ball and put it in the net from eight yards out for his sixth goal of the season. Gorsegner had an outstanding game in goal for the Eagles, making eight saves and posting his first shutout of the season. George Mason senior Rich Gaskin had three saves. George Mason plays its final regular season game Saturday at James Madison at 7 p.m. American hosts Richmond in its season finale Saturday at 1 p.m.

SCORING SUMMARY

                                    1st       2nd        Final

American (6-9-2, 4-2-1 CAA)          2         1          -- 3

George Mason (8-8-1, 3-3-1 CAA)      0         0          -- 0

GOALS: AU * Melvin Espinal (3:08), Jon Colton (32:19), Kris Bertsch (72:45) GMU * None ASSISTS: AU * Matt Kopacka, Adam Rosen GMU * None SAVES: AU * Michael Gorsegner, 8 saves, 0 GA, 90 minutes GMU * Rich Gaskin, 3 saves, 3 GA, 90 minutes SHOTS: AU -- 9 GMU -- 20 CAUTIONS: AU * Nino Marcantonio (56:00) GMU * None