WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - The No. 22-ranked William and Mary Tribe men's soccer team earned a hard-fought, 1-0 win over George Mason on Saturday night, defeating the Patriots, 1-0, at Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field.  With the win, the College improves to 7-4 overall and to 4-1 in CAA conference play, while Mason falls to 4-4-3 on the year and to 1-2-1 in league action.

Senior Nicolas Abrigo scored the match winner on a penalty kick in the 81st minute, while senior goalkeeper Colin Smolinsky made a career-high nine saves to lead the Tribe in the win.  Smolinsky and the Tribe continued their strong defensive play, recording their sixth shutout of the season and fifth in the last six matches.

The Tribe's first good look at goal came in the ninth minute, when sophomore John Ciampa played a nice cross from the right towards the top of the 18-yard box.  Classmate Ben Coffey chested the pass to freshman Patrick O'Brien who fired a shot from 12 yards, but his attempt just went left of the post and out of bounds.

In the 14th minute, the College had its best chance for a goal in the first half.  On a corner kick, Abrigo played it short to junior Ben Anderson.  Anderson found space and sent a cross in to the area, finding the head of sophomore Roshan Patel.  Patel put a great shot on goal, but the Mason keeper made a diving save to keep the score, 0-0.

After a strong first 15 minutes, the Tribe had to play defense for the bulk of the remainder of the half.  Despite taking 12 shots in the first 45 minutes, the Patriots were kept off the scoreboard thanks to a great effort from Smolinsky.  In the first frame, Smolinsky played very well, making an impressive five saves.  Despite being out shot 12-4, Mason only held a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal in the first half.

In the second half, the Patriots continued their offensive onslaught, but were unable to crack the stout William and Mary defense.  In the latter parts of the match, both teams had plenty of offensive chances, especially on counter attacks. Despite the opportunities, the match remained scoreless with 10 minutes left in regulation.

Finally in the 81st minute, William and Mary found the match winner.  With Mason on the attack, the ball was cleared by the Tribe, finding the foot of Abrigo.  Looking to mount a counter on the Patriots, Abrigo sent a long ball down the field, trying to find freshman Chris Albiston.  Albiston timed his run well and was able to get behind the Mason backline. 

Dribbling in the 18-yard box, Albiston got six yards away and was about to take a shot when a George Mason defender dragged him down.  The referee came running in and immediately pointed to the spot, giving the College a penalty kick.  Stepping up to take the PK was Abrigo, who wasted little in burying the shot for a goal.  Abrigo's team-leading sixth goal of the season gave the Tribe a 1-0 lead.

With just nine minutes left, the Patriots amped up the offense, but like they have most of the season, the Tribe's backline held, lead by the great play of Smolinsky.  In one of his finest efforts on the year, Smolinsky made a career-high nine saves, preserving the shutout, and giving the Tribe the 1-0 victory.

For the match, George Mason out shot the Tribe, 25-8, with the Patriots getting nine shots on goal to the College's five.  Corner kicks were 8-4 in favor of Mason.  Abrigo led W&M with two shots, while five different Tribe players had a shot on goal.

The No. 22-ranked William and Mary Tribe men's soccer team will return to action this Wednesday, October 12 when the College will host No. 21-ranked Old Dominion.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field.