The George Mason Patriots erupted in the second half to claim a 4‑1 victory over VMI in their season‑opening match on Thursday night, snapping a drought that had stretched back to 2018.
A Tale of Two Halves
Head coach Aaron Brunner summed up the contest as a ‘tale of two halves,’ noting that the Patriots were out‑matched early before finding their rhythm after the break.
The breakthrough came when Jaleesa Eichel converted a free‑kick from Maren Ryberg, giving Mason an early lead that would prove fleeting.
Keira Jeffries, making her collegiate debut, struck twice — first with a low shot set up by Amy Angel’s long‑range pass, then later with a brace that sealed the win.
Kylie Beauregard added an assist to Mia Casciani, whose return from injury produced a driving low strike in her first regular‑season appearance.
Road Trip to Harrisonburg
The Patriots will now travel to face the James Madison Dukes on August 16 at 7 p.m. in Harrisonburg, Va., a road test that could define their early momentum, with the game available live on ESPN+ for fans to follow.