Zach Corcoran’s 83rd minute goal snatched a 1-1 draw for the Longwood men’s soccer team against George Mason. The redshirt senior midfielder’s late equalizer cancelled out a Longwood own goal in the 34th minute, and leaves the Lancers at 1-0-1 this season.
Despite being outshot 16-11 by the Patriots, who also had a greater share of possession, Longwood head coach Jon Atkinson was pleased with his side’s performance away from home.
"This was a well-earned point on the road against a team that is looking to get their season started," said Atkinson on the official Longwood athletics website. "I saw great purpose in our fight back and I felt we thoroughly deserved a result, showing great character.”
The first 45 minutes were cagey as each side only had two shots on target, but the difference came 34 minutes in with Longwood putting one in their own net. The Patriots’ senior forward Matt Tucker poked a ball into the Lancer penalty box, where a failed Longwood clearance ended up giving the home side a 1-0 lead at the break.
"We didn't have much concern in the game until we gave up an own goal and fought for the remainder of the half," said Atkinson on the official Longwood athletics website.
Things opened up offensively in the second half, as George Mason pushed for a second and the Lancers looked to level the score. The Patriots blasted nine shots in the second half, but were denied by senior goalkeeper Carlos Canas, who made a total of five saves for the visitors.
Longwood’s resistance paid off with just seven minutes left as redshirt sophomore forward Mo Jalloh fed Corcoran on the right of the box, and the senior made no mistake, tying the score at 1-1.
George Mason pushed forward in overtime for a winner, but Canas and the Longwood defense held on over the two extra 15 minute periods to give the Lancers a hard-fought result on the road.
The Lancers finish their season-opening road trip with a visit to Williamsburg, Va. to face William & Mary on Sept. 6.