George Mason Stuns Bucknell with Dramatic Late Winner in Five-Goal Thriller
Patriots Rally from Two-Goal Deficit Before Brent Fields Strikes in 89th Minute
FAIRFAX, VA – George Mason pulled off a stunning 3-2 comeback victory over Bucknell on Monday evening, with substitute Brent Fields hammering home the decisive strike with just 57 seconds remaining in regulation time at George Mason Stadium.
The Patriots found themselves trailing 2-0 with 28 minutes remaining but orchestrated a remarkable turnaround that showcased both resilience and clinical finishing when it mattered most. The match featured five goals in a captivating encounter that swung dramatically in the final third.
Bucknell appeared to have seized control during a chaotic three-minute sequence in the first half. The visitors broke the deadlock through Cade McGrath in the 27th minute, before Drew Roskos doubled their advantage just eight seconds later with David Krumov providing the assist. However, George Mason responded immediately, with Martim Sereno pulling one back in the 29th minute after excellent buildup play from Sergio Gonzalez Fernandez.
The second half began with George Mason pressing for an equalizer, but it was Bucknell who extended their lead against the run of play. Jacobo Sanfeliu tucked away a well-worked team move in the 52nd minute, converting from close range after Mouhamed Tucker and Gonzalez Fernandez combined effectively down the right flank.
The turning point came in the 62nd minute when Zane Domsohn converted for Bucknell, assisted by Cohen Weaver, but the forward's celebration was tempered by a yellow card for unsporting behavior. This moment seemed to galvanize the Patriots, who began to assert greater control in midfield through the tireless work of Gonzalez Fernandez and Mouhamed Tucker.
George Mason's equalizer arrived in the 75th minute through Jack Lucas, who rifled home a right-footed effort into the top corner after excellent approach play from Krumov. The goal energized the home crowd and shifted momentum decisively toward the Patriots.
With the match seemingly destined for a draw, George Mason struck with devastating effect in the dying moments. James Eliuda, who had been a constant threat throughout the evening with four shots, delivered a precise cross that found Fields unmarked in the penalty area. The substitute, who had entered the match in the 74th minute, kept his composure to slot home the winner with a right-footed finish into the bottom corner.
The statistics reflected an evenly contested encounter, with George Mason edging the shot count 19-13 and forcing five corner kicks to Bucknell's three. Both goalkeepers were tested throughout, with Jaume Salvado making four crucial saves for the Patriots while Freddie Lapworth kept out six attempts for the visitors.
Gonzalez Fernandez emerged as the standout performer for George Mason, contributing two assists while maintaining excellent positional discipline in midfield despite picking up a late yellow card. His partnership with Tucker proved particularly effective, with the duo combining pace and precision to unlock Bucknell's defensive structure.
For Bucknell, Krumov provided creative spark from midfield with two assists, while Domsohn and Lucas both found the net in what became a losing effort. The visitors will rue their inability to maintain defensive composure in the closing stages, having led twice during the contest.
The victory represents a significant statement of intent from George Mason, who demonstrated the mental fortitude required to overturn a two-goal deficit against quality opposition.
Key Players
- Sergio Gonzalez Fernandez (George Mason) - Orchestrated the comeback with two assists and dominant midfield display - Brent Fields (George Mason) - Decisive impact off the bench with 89th-minute winner - David Krumov (Bucknell) - Created consistently with two assists in losing effort