VIDEO: Kevin Hudson after men's soccer opens with 2-1 win

[PonyPride]

SMU men's soccer head coach Kevin Hudson visited with PonyFans.com after the Mustangs opened the 2023 season with a 2-1 win over UTRGV.

From SMUMustangs.com:

DALLAS (SMU) - The No. 19 SMU Mustangs started their season with a 2-1 win against UTRGV at Washburne Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24.

In the 15th minute, junior forward Bailey Sparks recorded his first goal of the season off of a double assist from sophomore forward Alexander Petræus and sophomore forward Fredrick Skillberg. Freshman Jaylinn Mitchell, also recently named a Preseason Freshman All-American, followed this with a goal just nine minutes later.

"It's the best we've played all preseason." Head coach Kevin Hudson said. 'I'm happy with the result, it got chaotic in the second half but that's college soccer at times. Overall, we should be proud to get the first win."

SMU also has the preseason American Athletic Conference Preseason Defensive Player of the Year — junior defender Mads Westergren — and the American Athletic Conference Preseason Offensive Player of the Year — Patræus on their roster. The pair helped lead the team to victory, Westergren posting one assist and Patræus with two.

The Mustangs opened this season with a win at Washburne Stadium after going 8-1-1 at home last season.

Junior Cole Johnson started in goal and recorded one save out of two shots on goal.

SMU continues the season Monday with its second home game of the season against Central Arkansas. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. and the game will also be broadcast on ESPN+.