West Virginia Outlasts George Mason in 10-Goal Thriller Sixth-ranked Mountaineers prevail 6-4 in extraordinary offensive showcase at George Mason Stadium
FAIRFAX, VA – The sixth-ranked West Virginia Mountaineers emerged victorious in a breathtaking 6-4 encounter against 22nd-ranked George Mason at George Mason Stadium, delivering one of the most captivating matches of the college soccer season.
What unfolded was a masterclass in attacking soccer, with both sides combining for 10 goals in a match that showcased the very best of offensive creativity and clinical finishing. The Mountaineers' ability to respond to every George Mason surge ultimately proved the difference in this extraordinary contest.
West Virginia broke the deadlock in the 12th minute when Pablo Pozos converted brilliantly from Marcus Caldeira's precise delivery, setting the tone for what would become an unforgettable afternoon. The visitors doubled their advantage before the half-hour mark as Juan Alvarez slotted home after excellent work from Isaac Scheer.
Just as the Mountaineers appeared to be taking control, George Mason demonstrated their quality with a remarkable two-goal response within 11 seconds. Jacobo Sanfeliu first pulled one back at 30:18, and before the celebration had ended, Martim Sereno tucked away a stunning strike assisted by both Jordi Navio Sanchez and Jaime Godinho to level the contest at 2-2.
The frantic pace continued as Felix Ewald restored West Virginia's lead in the 37th minute, finishing clinically after combining with both Scheer and Pozos in a move that highlighted the visitors' fluid attacking interplay. However, Sanfeliu refused to be denied, rifling home his second of the match just before halftime to ensure the teams entered the break locked at 3-3.
The second half began with West Virginia reasserting their authority. Sammie Walker fired past the George Mason goalkeeper in the 49th minute following Ethan Dekel Daks' creative assist, before Marcus Caldeira hammered home from Constantinos Christou's setup to give the Mountaineers a crucial two-goal cushion.
George Mason's resilience shone through once more as Nacho Diaz Barragan curled into the net in the 66th minute, refusing to allow his side to surrender. The Patriots continued pressing for an equalizer, creating several promising opportunities as the match entered its final phase.
Any hopes of a dramatic comeback were extinguished when Pozos completed his brace in the 72nd minute, converting from Bryce Swinehart's assist to restore West Virginia's two-goal advantage. The strike demonstrated the composure that has made the Mountaineers one of the nation's most feared attacking units.
George Mason managed one final response through Abdul Kamara's well-taken finish from David Garcia's assist with 10 minutes remaining, but West Virginia's defense held firm during the closing stages to preserve their advantage.
The match statistics tell the story of two sides committed to attacking soccer, with both teams creating numerous chances throughout the 90 minutes. West Virginia's clinical edge in crucial moments, particularly their ability to respond immediately after conceding, proved decisive in this thriller.
For the Mountaineers, the victory showcases their offensive depth and mental fortitude against quality opposition. George Mason, despite the defeat, demonstrated the attacking prowess that earned them their national ranking, with Sanfeliu's brace highlighting their individual quality.
This encounter will be remembered as a testament to the excitement and unpredictability that makes college soccer so compelling, with both sides delivering entertainment value that left spectators thoroughly satisfied despite the eventual outcome.
Key Players
- Pablo Pozos (West Virginia) - Completed a brace with goals in the 12th and 72nd minutes, also providing an assist for Felix Ewald's strike
- Jacobo Sanfeliu (George Mason) - Scored twice to keep the Patriots in contention, demonstrating clinical finishing in both halves
- Isaac Scheer (West Virginia) - Provided two assists, creating chances for Juan Alvarez and Felix Ewald with excellent service