Men's Soccer Downs Western Illinois, Improves To 5-0-0

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

SMU M-Soccer Downs Western Illinois 2-1
Soto and Castillo Score For Mustangs

Sept. 12, 2010

TULSA, Okla. (SMU) - The SMU men's soccer team defeated Western Illinois 2-1 in the Hurricane Classic Sunday afternoon. Senior Josue Soto and freshman Juan Castillo both tallied goals for the Mustangs.

"It was a really solid performance by the guys top to bottom," said head coach Tim McClements. "We went out, played hard and were able to maintain possession for a lot of the game. [Western Illinois] scored a really nice goal late in the game, but the guys did a great job and held on to get the win. Playing on the road is difficult, and having to play afternoon games on both days is pretty tough - but it's been a great start."

Soto opened the scoring early, converting a penalty kick in just the second minute of play. SMU was awarded the kick after a Western Illinois handball violation was committed in the box. It was Soto's first goal of the season.

Castillo added his team-leading fourth goal of the season in the 47th minute for the Mustangs. Soto sent the ball into the box for Castillo, who settled and fired a shot from 12 yards out. It was Castillo's third consecutive game-winning goal.

The Mustangs went 2-0-0 in the Hurricane Classic, but finished second in the tournament due to goal differential.

Tulsa Marriott Southern Hills Hurricane Classic All-Tournament Team
Tournament MVP - Ashley McInnes, forward, Tulsa
Ray Clark, goalkeeper, Tulsa
Blaine Gonsalves, defender, Tulsa
Austin Neil, forward, Tulsa
Leone Cruz, defender, SMU
Kekoa Osorio, midfielder, SMU
Juan Castillo, forward, SMU
Nathan Bruinsma, forward, WIU
Alexis Dominguez, midfielder, WIU
Randy Roy, defender, SIUE
Ryan Wilhelm, defender, SIUE

The Mustangs will head to Peoria, Ill., to play in the Bradley Tournament Sept. 17-19. SMU will face No. 24 Creighton Sept. 17 at 5 p.m. and will take on Bradley Sept. 19 at 2:30 p.m. In 2010, Creighton is 4-0-0, and Bradley holds a 3-1-1 mark.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Awesome!

That kind of stinks to lose two tournaments to Tulsa on goal differential - but it's still great to be undefeated!

[smusoccer]

Great Job!

The real test will be next weekend...

[Junior]

great to see we're off to a good start so far. keep it up!

[peruna11]

If we can get by Creighton and a couple conference opponents this weekend, we'll be looking real good.

[Junior]

good luck against Creighton!

[Charleston Pony]

and back in the top 20 rankings

[mustangbill67]

Ranked #18 in NSCAA poll just released. A sweep this weekend and we could be close to the top 10.