SMU opens conference play Friday night at Westcott against Central Florida.
SMU preview: http://smumustangs.cstv.com/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/092111aab.html
UCF preview: http://ucfathletics.cstv.com/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/092111aaa.html
UCF comes in 5-1-2 after non-conference play and are number 11 in the unofficial RPI right now. NSCAA has UCF ranked #19 nationally and #3 in the Central region.
The Golden Knights do have a couple of very impressive results this season - a 1-0 win over San Diego and a 2-1 win over Penn State. Lately they appear to be struggling with their two most recent matches being a 2-1 win over Jacksonville and a 0-0 draw against Florida Gulf Coast - both at home.
UCF is the overwhelming preseason conference favorite and they have four players on the preseason all-conference team. UCF is also the most glamourous opponent on the SMU home schedule this season so hopefully there will be a nice turnout!
It will be interesting to see if SMU tries to keep this one very tight like the UCLA match or if we go for it. Obviously a result against UCF to start conference play would be HUGE for the Mustangs.