This post was written by Hatchet reporter Nora Princiotti.

The men’s soccer team lost to American University, 3-1, in the opening match of the D.C. College Cup at George Mason Stadium on Friday.

The Colonials offense was frustrated, but showed promise – their single goal actually bests the 0.93 goals-against average tallied by Knutsen and the Eagle defense last year. But after posting a 1-1-1 preseason record, the Colonials knew they would be asked to compete at a high level right off the bat against last year’s Patriot League Conference leaders.

With less than five minutes remaining in the first half, American struck first, as the Eagles’ Dale Ludwig sent an assist from last year’s team-points leader Colin Siegfried rocketing past sophomore goalkeeper Jean-Pierre van der Merwe.

The Colonials equalized with a goal by sophomore Ross Higgins in the 56th minute.  Starting all the way back at the midfield line, Higgins dribbled his way right up to Knutsen and lasered the ball by him and into the net from 15 feet out.

After getting on the board for the first time, the Colonials improved offensively, posting six shots on goal in the second half of the game, as opposed to just two in the first. Still, American’s strong defensive play barred GW from the back of the net for the remainder of the contest.

On the other end of the turf, however, American regained the lead 59 minutes into the contest with a score from freshman forward Joe Iraola. Ludwig scored again in the 76th minute to push the Eagles’ lead to 3-1, where it stayed until the final whistle blew.

The team will close out D.C. Cup play on Sunday against Howard University, another District rival.