Kevin Nydam, Broadside Correspondent
After an incredible performance shutting out the fourth-ranked Maryland Terrapins last Tuesday, the men’s soccer team improved their record to 6-2. As they near the midway point of their season, the team prepares to play the Towson Tigers this Wednesday at 7 p.m. at George Mason Stadium.
The Patriots sit in second place in the Colonial Athletic Association standings, nine places ahead of the Tigers. As the defending CAA men’s soccer champions, Mason has been projected to repeat the achievement this year to win back-to-back conference championships.
The preseason CAA poll results predicted Towson to finish in sixth place, one rank higher than the previous season.
Mason has a strong offense, averaging nearly 14 shots per game. They have outscored their opponents 14-4 so far in the first eight games of the season. This match will be a true test for the Patriots, who look to move to first place with another conference win.
Senior goalkeeper Sean Kelley has already recorded 26 saves in the first seven games, while Towson’s sophomore goalkeeper John Steele has saved 24 shots.
The Tigers have played seven games this season and currently sit under .500 with a record of 3-4-0 and 0-1-0 in the conference. They suffered a tough 4-1 loss last Saturday against the William & Mary Tribe. The team still looks to turn things in a positive direction.
Home field advantage should prove to be in Mason’s favor as the Patriots attempt to achieve a victory that will show the conference they mean business.
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