SMU Blanks Northern Illinois

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DALLAS (SMU) – Abdul Yassine scored his first collegiate goal in the 69th minute, while Idrissa Camara followed less than two minutes later to lead the SMU men’s soccer team to a 2-0 victory over non-conference opponent Northern Illinois on Wednesday evening at Westcott Field. The Mustangs move to 5-3-0 on the season, while the Huskies fell to 2-4-3.

The Ponies outshot NIU 20-6 in the contest, including 5-2 on goal with freshman Mauro Cichero registering a game-high six. Camara added four for SMU, while Yassine and junior Damian Rosales ended up with three and two, respectively.

“I think our offense did an excellence job,” Head Coach Tim McClements said. “In the second half NIU came out and pressed us, which threw off our rhythm a little bit, but after a while we were able to get through and generate a number of quality opportunities.”

Goalkeeper Michael Nelson tallied a pair of saves and his second shutout of the season.

Yassine’s goal was set up by an initial shot from Cichero that found the post and deflected back out to the foot of Yassine. With no defenders in sight, Yassine was able to collect the ball and connect on the shot from about 10 yards out. The assist was Cichero’s second of the season.

The Mustangs’ second goal saw a long ball in from freshman Bryce Clark find Camara near

post for the finish. Camara and Bryce are now tied for a team-leading three goals and assists, respectively.

“We felt like we did some good things in the first half, we just needed to score a goal,” McClements said. “That’s what needs to happen to break things open and we did that, and then the second goal came.”

SMU is now riding a four-match win streak for the first time since the 2012 season, and has won five of the last six, including a 5-1 record at home.

“The main thing is that we get the win,” McClements said. “It’s the game of soccer and you have to be patient and fortunately it came tonight.”

The Mustangs are back in action on Saturday for an American Athletic Conference match at UCF. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. CT. Check SMUMustangs.com for ways to follow.

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