The George Mason High School boys varsity soccer team beat Madison County at home last Tuesday by a score of 2-1, completing their 10-0 perfect season in the Bull Run District.
The George Mason High School boys varsity soccer team beat Madison County at home last Tuesday by a score of 2-1, completing their 10-0 perfect season in the Bull Run District.
It was senior night and the last regular season game, and as the tradition goes, the senior players walk on the field together with their parents.
Mason had 11 seniors playing this year on the varsity team: Ishmael Compero, Anthony Andrianarison, Elio Randrianasolo, Thomas Kim, Nick Zaccor, Jed Sakprayoopong, Jose Larios, Jack Cashin, Jon Brooks, Drew Davies and Scott O’Hanley.
As part of the tradition, the senior players were also in the starting lineup, but this was not the case Tuesday due to the fact that the 11 seniors were one too many for the 10 spots on the field including the goalkeeper. Instead, the Mustangs made the decision to play with the usual starting line up.
With a 2-0 lead in the first half, the game kept going with strong Mason pressure on the offense but the Madison defensemen were more alert and stepped up their defensive game, playing both smart and easy. Mason closed the first half with no more goals scored for or against.
The second half started out in a lower tempo, with Mason receiving some dangerous corner kicks on the Madison side. But a compact and more disciplined Madison defense managed to clear the ball.
Mason dominated both possession and scoring chances and Madison stood up well defensively. With only three seconds of game time remaining, Madison got a penalty kick due to a Mason handball in the penalty box. After Madison senior Shepherd Waldenberger potted the shot in the net behind sophomore goalkeeper Tyler Back, the game ended with a final score of 2-1, with Mason advancing to the Bull Run district quarterfinals.
Assistant coach Frank Spinello gave a lot credit to all players and especially Randrianasolo. “He is player that always gives a 110 percent both in games and in practice,” said Spinello. “He always wants to improve and he always wants to be better. It’s not only his amazing ball skills; it’s also his leadership on the field that is important. Elio himself tries to tone down his own performances.”
Randrianasolo responded to Spinello’s commentary, adding, “I have very good teammates. I got a great pass from Jordan on a give and go, so he set me up. When I face a defender, I don’t think about what to do, I just do it and it was good goal.
“I think we have better chemistry this year and we are much more disciplined. Last year’s team was more individual; it’s more teamwork this year. I think we definitely can go all the way this year,” said Randrianasolo.
“I have big plans for this team, and believe that we can take it all the way to states this year,” Spinello concluded.
Mason will face Clark County or Rappahannock, depending on seeding, at home in the district quarterfinals on Friday, May 15, at 5 p.m.