BRONX, N.Y. – Playing in their final regular season home match, the Fordham University men recorded a 3-1 win over George Mason University to clinch at berth in the Atlantic 10 Championship at Jack Coffey Field Saturday.
Graduate student Filippo Ricupati scored twice as senior Johannes Pieles added a goal for the Rams (5-9-2, 4-2-1). George Mason fell to 4-11-1, 3-4-0.
Fordham wasted little time getting on the scoreboard in the eighth minute as the Rams peppered George Mason goalkeeper Brison Moorhead early and often. Jack Sluys played the ball to Sameer Fathazada near the penalty spot. Fathazada headed the ball down to Ricupati, who tucked a shot inside the left post for his fourth goal this season.
The Rams doubled their lead in the 32nd minute. Joergen Oland won a challenge near the sideline and made a 30-yard run, launching a cross into the box. Pieles got on the end of it at the top of the six-yard box and deflected it into the net for his second goal this year.
Fordham enjoyed 15-1 shot advantage in the opening half as Moorhead made six saves of his seven saves.
In the 79th minute, George Mason scored off a set piece. Daniel Damiani sent a free kick into the box from about 30 yards that glanced off the head of Mads Tranberg and into the net for his first goal.
The Rams sealed the game in the 82nd minute. Fathazada picked up a loose ball at the top of the penalty area and laid the ball off to Ricupati for a shot just inside the left post for his second goal and fifth of the season.
Fordham keeper Konstantin Weis recorded four saves.
The Rams visit Colombia University Tuesday at 7 p.m.
