FAIRFAX, Va. - Host George Mason (1-3-1) snapped a scoreless tie just 1:44 into the second half and the Patriots added a goal nine minutes later to defeat Binghamton women's soccer (4-2) 2-0 Sunday afternoon at George Mason Stadium. The loss snapped BU's three-game win streak.

The Bearcats thought they had taken a 1-0 lead midway through the first half when sophomore forward Stefania Piantadosi took a thru ball from freshman midfielder Olivia McKnight and converted into the net on the rebound of her initial blocked shot. But while BU was celebrating, a late consultation resulted in an offsides call - one of six whistled against the Bearcats. 

George Mason struck early in the second when a break down the left side turned into a cross and one-time finish in the box. 

Down 1-0, Binghamton had two near-misses within two minutes of one another. In the 50th minute, sophomore midfielder Ivana Pjetri struck a beautiful left-footer from 25 yards that banked off the crossbar. Just 1:17 later, redshirt freshman back Gabby Piontkowski sent a dangerous cross from the right side to the far post where McKnight's doorstep header sailed over the bar. 

Then just over four minutes later, the Patriots countered with an insurance goal, thanks to an open run down the right side. Sophomore keeper Haylee Poltorak made a diving save on the initial shot but the rebound squirted out to a pursuing Mason forward who finished. 

The hosts held a 15-5 shots advantage.

"That was a tough battle today and congrats to George Mason," head coach Neel Bhattacharjee said. "We didn't have the rhythm on the ball in the first half as we typically do but we then had some very good play the opening 20-25 minutes of the second half that included some quality chances. We need to be a bit more clinical to finish those chances, especially in a tight game on the road. Unfortunately both goals given up came during that period. We had great responses after each goal and that mindset will help carry us forward."

The Bearcats play the first of two straight home games on Thursday when they welcome Wagner to the Sports Complex.