SMU Soccer Defeats Austin Aztex

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AUSTIN, Texas (SMU) – The SMU men’s soccer team defeated the Austin Aztex, 3-1, behind three first half goals, including a pair from Stanton Garcia on Saturday afternoon. It was the first match of the spring schedule for the Mustangs.

The Aztex compete in the USL Pro League and played in the USL PDL Championship in 2013. 2015 is their first season as a professional franchise.

“I’m extremely pleased with the commitment and effort from the team today,” Head Coach Kevin Hudson said. “It’s a fantastic way to start off our spring exhibition season. We scored some excellent goals on counter attacks.

“Austin Aztex is a very good team that definitely exposed us at times, but we can learn a lot from games like this. I’m appreciative to Aztex Head Coach Paul Dalglish and the Aztex organization for inviting us down for this exhibition. These experiences will serve us well in the future.”

The Mustangs got on the board early as Garcia found the back of the net in the third minute off of a through ball from Mauro Cichero. Garcia found himself behind the Aztex backline, collected the pass and finished into the lower left corner for the 1-0 lead.

In the 16th minute, Idrissa Camara netted what proved to be the match winner off assists credited to Garcia and Mauro Cichero. Cichero dispossessed the Aztex defensive midfielder and started a quick counter attack dribbling into the Mustangs’ offensive third and slotting a ball to Garcia. With the goalkeeper out, Garcia played a square ball that found Camara, who finished into an empty net.

SMU got an insurance goal in the 20th minute as Garcia picked up his second of the match off a diving header with the assist going to Brenden Lee.

The Aztex were able to get one back with a goal in the 86th minute.

SMU is back in action on Thursday as it hosts Arizona United SC, affiliate of FC Dallas, at 8 a.m. CT on Westcott Field. Admission is free.