Drexel University Athletics
Drexel University
George Mason
Stevenson's Tally Keeps Dragons Undefeated in CAA With 1-0 Win Over Mason
10/14/2007 3:05:47 PM | Men's Soccer
Philadelphia, Pa. – Senior Mark Stevenson scored his first career goal in the first half and Drexel's defense made it stand up for the next 80 minutes as the Dragons defeated George Mason for their fifth straight victory. The 1-0 win is Drexel's fourth in CAA play which is the most ever for the Dragons (7-2-2, 4-0 CAA) since joining the conference. George Mason drops to 5-5-1 and 2-2 in conference with the loss.
With the wind at its back, Drexel took another early lead when freshman Andrew Stolle making his second career start, hustled down a in ball to play it off a defender and earn a corner kick as it crossed the end line. Anthony Bafile served the ensuing corner kick to the far side of the goal box where senior Stevenson charged in for a header that found its way into the net on the left side for his first career goal, giving the Dragons a 1-0 lead.
The Dragons nearly got another goal as they kept the pressure on Mason in the 24th minute. Bafile chased down a ball that fought its way through the defense. He barely had time to gather it inside the box as keeper Sean Kelley dove to take the shot off his toe.
Drexel served early notice in the second half when Nate Baker sprinted down a ball to space and served up a cross to the far post. Substitute Cole Feffer nodded the ball on goal, forcing Kelley to slap it over the top of the net for a corner kick.
In the 67th minute Drexel threatened again as a result of a card on Mason just outside the goal box. Fabio Assumpção bent a kick on goal over the Patriot wall that required Kelley to make another tough swat over the crossbar. The resultant corner kick went from the foot of Bafile to the head of Pat McCaffery just outside the six. #Fabio Assumpção# slid in for a volley but Kelley took it off his foot thwart the threat.
Parker Watson blasted one last shot into the box in the final minute but his offering spun wide left an the Dragons were able to possess the ball as the clock ticked out on their fifth consecutive victory.
Drexel edged Mason in shots 8-7 and also outcornered the Patriots 6-2. Kelley made three saves in goal for the Patriots while Cory Robertson made one stop behind the Drexel defense for his third shutout and second in conference play. The Dragons fifth straight victory equals the teams longest winning streak since 2002 when the team posted five straight non-conference wins.
The Dragons are on the road next weekend, visiting the CAA's southernmost teams Georgia State on Friday and UNC Wilmington on Sunday.
Goal Summary
10:03 Drexel Mark Stevenson (Bafile)
Shots: DU 8, GMU 7
Corners: DU 6, GMU 2
Saves: Robertson (DU) 1, Kelley (GMU) 3
Cards: Mason #11 (Y), Mason #3 (Y), Mason #6 (Y), Drexel #5 (Y)
