PITTSBURGH, Pa. — George Mason claimed a 1-0 victory at Duquesne on Saturday, extending its winning streak to one game while handing the Dukes their second consecutive defeat. The Patriots (7-5-3) broke through in the second half to secure the road triumph, improving their NCAA Division I tournament resume with a crucial conference result.
Leo Lemoine scored the match-winner in the 47th minute, assisted by Martim Sereno, just two minutes into the second half. The goal proved decisive in a tightly contested matchup where both teams created opportunities but George Mason's clinical finishing made the difference. Duquesne (8-6-2) controlled possession at times but couldn't find the back of the net despite multiple attempts.
The first half remained scoreless as both squads tested each other without breaking through. Duquesne generated early pressure, with Jaxon Ervin forcing a blocked shot in the 18th minute that led to a corner kick. George Mason responded with efforts from Jordi Navio Sanchez and Kenzo Brito, though neither found the target. Ashton Jell's unsporting conduct yellow card in the 36th minute gave George Mason a free kick opportunity, but the Patriots couldn't capitalize.
George Mason dominated the second half, outshooting Duquesne 4-3 on goal attempts. The Patriots' aggressive approach paid immediate dividends when Lemoine's finish early in the period gave them the lead they would not relinquish. Duquesne pressed for an equalizer, with Miles Imparato and Tyler Kato generating chances