By Chris Vaccaro

Needing wins in all remaining games to clinch a Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) playoff spot, the Pride men’s soccer team collapsed in the final minutes of its 2-1 loss Friday against George Mason.

George Mason (7-9-1, 3-4 in CAA) ended a six-game losing streak at a perfect time. The Patriots trailed the Pride (6-9-1, 2-4-1) in the CAA.

Senior Pablo Lara scored for the second consecutive game 28:18 into the first half giving the Pride a 1-0 advantage. Freshman Chris Cox beat one defender down the right side, and sent a cross to the penalty area where Lara one-timed into the far right post.

Damian O’Rourke scored a header from six yards out with 4:55 remaining in regulation for the Patriots.

A costly Pride turnover gave the Patriots a man advantage on a three-on-two rush. Matt Mendy calmly picked his spot and put the game away inside the left post after picking up a through-pass in front of Pride goalie Matthias Gumbrecht. The Pride was out shot 13-8, and had one final scoring opportunity in the last minute when Michael Todd had a one-on-one break, but was stopped.

With two games remaining, the Pride takes on No. 15 James Madison tomorrow at 2 p.m., and plays Drexel University on Thursday at 4 p.m. in the season finale.