FAIRFAX, Va. – Fordham freshman Rayane Tchemmoun showed the poise of a veteran on Friday, making two crucial plays that helped lead the No. 6 seed Rams to a 1-0 victory at No. 3 seed George Mason in the Atlantic 10 Men’s Soccer Tournament Quarterfinals.
 
Fordham 1, George Mason 0 – Box Score
 
With the game tied 0-0 early in the second half, George Mason midfielder James Eliuda deked past the Fordham goalkeeper, sending what appeared to be the go-ahead goal towards the net. Tchemmoun came racing forward just in time, though, heading the ball off the crossbar to keep the Patriots off the board.
 
Later in the match, Tchemmoun secured the result for the Rams on the offensive end. The midfielder calmly converted a penalty kick in the 84^th minute, pushing Fordham ahead for the closing stages of the match.
 
Both defenses put on valiant efforts on Friday, thwarting frequent close shot attempts. George Mason goalkeeper Angel Hernandez tallied three saves in the first half, keeping the match even entering the break.
 
Fordham goalkeeper Shayon Kashi came up clutch in the second half, providing three pivotal saves – including a grab on a low shot in the 89^th minute.
 
The triumph sends Fordham to the semifinal round of the A10 Men’s Soccer Tournament for the third consecutive year. The semifinals are slated for Tuesday, Nov. 10, hosted by the higher seed in each matchup.