The lady Mustangs confirmed their victorious season with a 3-0 win against the Chinese National Select “A” team in the final game of the Panda Cup USA.

SMU dictated the action through a possession game, driven by Kimber Bailey who scored for SMU in the 10th minute.

The Mustangs kept a solid defense and were able to control their opponent the entire match. Only 10 minutes passed until Kirsten Moran scored an goal for Mustangs.

The Chinese team attempted to respond to SMU’s attacks, but SMU’s strong defense line held it back and gave it little chance to score. SMU goalkeeper, Ashley Gunter, denied the Chinese a goal with magnificant saves.

In the second half, SMU had to deal with an aggressive-minded China, who competitively got back in the game, leaving SMU to deal with several attacks. The Chinese team came out the break, filled with energy ready to defeat the Mustangs. SMU defense resisted several attacks.

With little over 18 minutes remaining, junior Olivia O’Rear, SMU’s No. 9, scored the third goal for the Mustangs and sealed the deal.

With 10 minutes left, China’s No. 28 shot a header but SMU’s goalie Ashley Gunter stopped it.

The excitement lasted till the end, when Gunter dove to save a penalty kick by China just minutes before the final whistle.

The Mustangs were able to end the game matching the expectations that follow a winning season.

This game is part of the Panda Cup, a friendly tournament designed to reunite two nations with a common passion for soccer and introduce them to the two different cultures.

Before the game the soccer players had a chance to get to know each other and exchange gifts, part of the Chinese culture.