Men's soccer opens AAC play with shutout win at Tulsa

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From SMUMustangs.com:

Mustangs Shut Out Tulsa, 1-0, In Conference Opener
Brenden Lee Scored Game-Winning Goal

Sept. 26, 2015

Tulsa, Okla. (SMU) – Redshirt junior Brenden Lee found the back of the net in the 6th minute to lead the SMU men’s soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Tulsa in its first contest of American Athletic Conference play. The win improved SMU’s record to 5-2-2 overall and 1-0 in league action, while the Golden Hurricane fell to 4-4-1 and 0-1 in conference play.

Lee’s goal came early in the first half after he received a cross from teammate Jared Rice and drilled it in from 12 yards out. The goal was Lee’s second of the season and the assist was Rice’s fifth, a team high.

“We were very good in the first half and should have put the game away,” Head Coach Kevin Hudson said. “We had numerous clear cut chances that we didn’t finish to put the game out of reach.”

SMU registered 13 shots in the match with 12 of them coming in the first half. Tulsa recorded a total of 15, but SMU had the edge in shots on goal, 7-3. The Golden Hurricane had the 5-4 advantage in corner kicks.

Sophomore Mauro Cichero, senior Idi Camara and Lee each tallied three shots, while freshman Caleb Smith attempted two.

Goalkeeper Michael Nelson recorded his fourth shutout of the year with three saves in a full 90 minutes in the net. Tulsa goalkeeper Jake McGuire tallied four saves of the seven shots on goal he faced.

“Conference games are always a battle,” Hudson said. “It’s a great way to start conference play. We have many games to go but I’m proud of the start.”

Up next, the Mustangs return to the Hilltop to face Oral Roberts on Tuesday at 7 p.m. CT.