SMU Soccer Blanks Memphis
DALLAS (SMU) – Freshman Jared Rice tallied a pair of assists in the SMU’s 2-0 American Athletic Conference victory over Memphis on Wednesday evening at Westcott Field. The win improved the Mustangs’ to 6-3-1 overall and 2-0-1 in American action, while the Tigers fell to 5-4-2 overall and 0-2-1 in conference play.
“Getting three points was great, getting a clean sheet was even better,” Head Coach Tim McClements said. “We’re very happy with the result. I thought they played very well. We were able to hold the ball and move the ball through the thirds and maintain possession.”
Rice, who assisted on goals from junior Idrissa Camara and senior Damian Rosales, now has a team-leading five assists in 2014. Camara’s match winner also gave him a team-high four tallies, including a pair of game winners, and the goal for Rosales was his first of the season.
The Mustangs got their first strike in the 26th minute as Rice played a long ball in from about 40 yards that found Camara. Camara collected the pass about 12 yards out from goal avoiding a Memphis defender and volleyed the ball beyond the outstretched arms of Tiger goalkeeper Cody Uzcategui. The shot was one of Camara’s two of the match.
SMU’s insurance goal from Rosales came in the 66th minute when Rice
placed another cross within 12 yards of the Memphis goal and onto the foot of Rosales for the one-time finish.
Bryce Clark and Abdul Yassine tied for a game-high three shots each, while Andrew Moralesadded a pair. Michael Nelson registered his third shutout of the season in the win.
The Mustangs, who are receiving votes in the latest edition of the NSCAA Division I Coaches Poll, are now unbeaten in their last six matches, going 5-0-1 since a 3-1 win over Stony Brook on Sept. 14 at Westcott Field. The victory also gives SMU a 6-1 record in matches on the Hilltop.
“It’s a grind. Every day you’ve got to come out to play. Midweek games are difficult, and we have a very difficult opponent in Temple this weekend,” McClements said. “We’ll be playing in a different area of the country on a quick turnaround, but that’s conference play so you just have to get used to it and get as many points as you can from each game.”
SMU is back in action on Saturday when they travel to Temple to take on the Owls for AAC action. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. ET/12 p.m. CT. Live stats and video will be available at SMUMustangs.com.
“You always want positive momentum anytime you can get it, especially going into conference play,” McClements added. “You’ve just got to take it one game at a time. Don’t get too far ahead of yourself. Any team, regardless of their win/loss record in the conference can beat you, and you have to put your best foot forward in each game.”
