SMU men’s soccer wins, rises to #2 in national rankings

by PegNews wire

Mustangs shut out Florida International 2-0 on Sunday afternoon.

SMU 2, Florida International 0

Juniors Bruno Guarda and Scott Geppert scored goals, and the defense allowed just two shots on goal as the SMU men's soccer team blanked Florida International, 2-0, at Westcott Field.

The Mustangs, ranked No. 6 in the nation in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/adidas poll, improved to 9-2-2 on the year and 4-0-1 in Conference USA games; FIU slipped to 2-9-2 overall and 2-3-0 in C-USA games. They also got their fourth shutout of the year from senior goalkeeper Steve Sandbo. Strong winds limited the scoring opportunities for both teams, but the Ponies outshot the Golden Panthers, 17-8.

Guarda got what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 20th minute when he pestered FIU goalkeeper Kyle Thomas, whose clearing attempt hit Guarda in the chest. The ball bounced straight up in front of Guarda, who calmly flicked a six-yard shot over Thomas into the empty net.

The Mustangs dominated play for the rest of the game, getting the insurance goal in the final minute. Sophomore forward Dane Saintus shed two defenders and dribbled into the FIU defense before feeding Geppert, who chipped a soft floater over the FIU goalkeeper into the net.

The Mustangs, who have won five straight games and are undefeated in their last eight contests, will try to strengthen their grip on the Conference USA lead when take on South Carolina at 7 p.m. (Central Time) in a game that will be broadcast on the Fox Soccer Channel before returning home to face Memphis at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27.

Mustangs rise to #2 in national poll

The SMU men's soccer team, which has won five straight games and is undefeated in its last eight, climbed to No. 2 in the newest Soccer America magazine poll.

The Mustangs are 9-2-2 this season after knocking off Conference USA foes UAB last Wednesday and Florida International Sunday afternoon, and sit atop the C-USA standings with a record of 4-0-1 against conference opponents.

In addition, SMU is well-represented among the conference leaders in several statistical categories:

• Midfielder Bruno Guarda is tied for the conference lead in points (16), tied for sixth in goals (5) and tied for second in assists (6).

• Forwards Dane Saintus and Richard Oliva are tied for seventh in points (12).

• Oliva is tied for third in goals (6).

• Saintus is tied for second in assists (6).

• Goalkeeper Steve Sandbo is third in goals-against average (1.03) and tied for third in shutouts (3).

The Mustangs travel to Columbia, S.C., to face the South Carolina Gamecocks at 7 p.m., Wednesday night. The game will be broadcast on Fox Soccer Channel. SMU then returns home to face Memphis at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27 at Westcott Field.

Source: SMU