The two-time defending state champion George Mason High School boys soccer team has one game left in their regular season schedule before the Bull Run District tournament begins.
Coach Frank Spinello is trying to reschedule the last regular season game against Rappahannock County for tonight after the game was cancelled on Tuesday.
The two-time defending state champion George Mason High School boys soccer team has one game left in their regular season schedule before the Bull Run District tournament begins.
Coach Frank Spinello is trying to reschedule the last regular season game against Rappahannock County for tonight after the game was cancelled on Tuesday.
“We are concentrating on getting the players ready for Rappahannock,” Spinello said. “If we reschedule the game for Thursday, we might have a chance to get [Seniors] Pat [Rollo] and Harris [Schaffer] back.”
Rollo and Scheffer are both recovering from concussions.
The Mustangs are coming to the end of a busy regular schedule. After Tuesday’s cancellation, the Mustangs finally have time to recover for playoffs.
“It gave us time to heal,” Spinello said. “We are getting back on full strength and preparing for one game at the time.”
Regardless of the result against Rapp, the Mustangs are already the Bull Run regular season champions. With an 11-4-1 overall record, 8-1 in Bull Run District games, Mason will host the district semifinals starting on Tuesday. If the Mustangs win, they will host the district final next Thursday.
“We are anxious to play,” Spinello said. “I think we are going to come out and have a good performance.”
The Mustangs will play the winner of Friday’s game between Rapp and Madison County in the district semifinals. Manassas Park will play Strasburg Friday for a chance in the district semifinals. The winner of the game will play Clarke County at Mason on Tuesday.
Looking for their third straight state title, the Mustangs are ready for the challenge.
“When you win the state championship, you become a big target,” Spinello said. “When you win two championships in a row, the target gets bigger.”
Despite the pressure of defending the title, Spinello is confident in his team.
“We have key players from the past two championships and they know what it takes to win a championship,” Spinello said. “They have been there before and they know what is like to play important games.”