The SMU Mustangs struggled in their early non-conference schedule, amassing a 1-5-0 record.

However, after picking up its first win of the season last week against Hartwick, SMU will look to build upon that success in their inaugural American Athletic Conference game.

The Mustangs will travel to Yurcak Stadium in Piscataway, N.J. on Friday to take on the 3-2-1 Rutgers Scarlet Knights at 7 p.m.

The match will kick up some old history as these two teams played each other three times in the early 1990s.

The Mustangs were 2-1-0 in the all-time series, with the most recent match being a 2-0 victory on Oct. 30, 1994 at the SMU Classic.

Luck has not been on the Mustangs side early this season, with just four goals on 29 shots in six contests.

However, despite being outscored 8-4, SMU has held its opponents to just 20 shots, exhibiting a solid defense.

The Mustangs will continue to look at sophomore forward Alfred Koroma — the team leader in goals with two — and senior forward Juan Castillo to pace the offense, the team leaders in shots.

Senior goalkeeper, Jaime Ibarra, will enter the contest looking to regain his form from the last two seasons. His GAA has jumped .21 goals from last season to 1.33 and his save percentage is only .600, compared to last season’s .805.

The Scarlet Knights will be relying heavily on Mael Corboz, a sophomore midfielder, and Kene Eze, a senior forward/midfielder.

The two have accrued 12 and 10 points respectively and will try to carry that momentum into their match against SMU.

After their match against the Scarlet Knights, the Mustangs will have a week off before traveling to take on No. 6 Washington in another difficult matchup.

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