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Men's Soccer Falls In AAC Semifinal To No. 2 Tulsa

PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2021 9:26 pm
by PonyPride
From SMUMustangs.com:

SMU Falls In AAC Semifinal To No. 2 Tulsa

TULSA, Okla. (SMU) – SMU fought through a tough 90-minute match on Thursday afternoon at Hurricane Stadium, but ultimately fell to No. 2 Tulsa in the semifinal round of the American Athletic Conference tournament.

The fourth-seeded Mustangs (8-5-3) proved to be a force against the top-seeded Golden Hurricane (14-1-1) as they out-shot the hosts 16-12, including a difference of 11-9 during the second half.

SMU found an early chance off a set piece in the seventh minute, but the shot couldn't find the back of the net. Three other shots barely missed the mouth of the goal while another was saved during the first half. The Mustang defense worked to keep the ball from the Golden Hurricane, which resulted in a scoreless tie at the break.

Just 10 minutes into the second half, SMU had already amassed four shots, but it was Tulsa who broke the tie in the 60th minute thanks to a one-touch shot from Tom Protzek that rocketed past Cole Johnson.

The Golden Hurricane extended their lead to 2-0 in the 83rd minute when a header from Mariano Fazio tucked into the very top of the net.

The final seven minutes saw a major offensive push from the Mustangs as Tobin Shanks, JP Jordan and Papa Ndoye all found opportunities close to the goal that either went just wide or were saved.

Johnson finished the match with three crucial saves that kept the Golden Hurricane's advantage to 2-0.

SMU now awaits its NCAA postseason fate with the tournament selection show set for Monday, Nov. 15 at noon CT.

Re: Men's Soccer Falls In AAC Semifinal To No. 2 Tulsa

PostPosted: Sat Nov 13, 2021 1:41 pm
by mtrout
Do we have a chance at the NCAA tournament? Honest question.

Re: Men's Soccer Falls In AAC Semifinal To No. 2 Tulsa

PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2021 10:58 am
by shadowman
Guess we will find out at noon today!

Considering we did not get an invite last year after losing in the AAC final, it may be tough, but possible.

Re: Men's Soccer Falls In AAC Semifinal To No. 2 Tulsa

PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2021 2:24 pm
by shadowman
SMU did not get an at large bid, neither did UCF, who lost the championship game to Tulsa.

Tulsa is the #6 seed.

Congrats on the season, hopefully next year will be the year!

Re: Men's Soccer Falls In AAC Semifinal To No. 2 Tulsa

PostPosted: Tue Nov 16, 2021 8:51 am
by EastStang
The program stays competitive and we'll win some and lose some. Hopefully, things will gel and we'll avoid major injuries next year. Also, players who didn't expect to see much playing time this year, got some valuable experience. Pony Up