SMU W-Soccer Loses Opener

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SAN DIEGO (SMU) – A strong defensive effort was not enough for SMU to come out of its opening weekend with a point. San Diego State defeated SMU, 1-0, at the SDSU Sports Deck on Friday evening.

Regardless of the outcome, which was determined 14 minutes into overtime after a Megan Jurado goal for the Aztecs, Head Coach Chris Petrucelli was proud of the way his team played.

“We fought hard,” Petrucelli said. “I have to give them credit. They gave everything they had, we just couldn’t finish it off.”

The game was deadlocked after the initial 90 minutes, after which Mustangs goalkeeper Lauren Bodden had already tallied eight saves. Overall, the Aztecs outshot the Mustangs, 10-to-2.

SMU was back on its heels much of the game, but the back line showed strength and energy that Petrucelli appreciated, and he thinks that kind of play can mean something as the season progresses.

“If we play with that kind of effort, we’ll win a lot of games,” Petrucelli said.

Both teams were playing their season-openers.

SMU returns to the hilltop for its home-opener on Friday, Aug. 24 at Westcott Field. The Mustangs will take on Oral Roberts, whom SMU has never lost to at home. Tickets are available by calling 214-SMU-GAME or by visiting http://www.smumustangs.com/tickets.