The SMU men’s soccer team was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament after losing to No. 5 Akron in the Sweet 16.
The two teams faced off at FirstEnergy Stadium Cub Cadet Field in Akron, Ohio, where the Zips beat the Mustangs 2-1. SMU was outshot 40-13 and trailed in corner kicks 19-3. Goalkeeper Michael Nelson was under siege throughout, totaling nine saves.
Akron jumped out to an early lead on a goal by Goncalo Soares in the 25th minute. SMU tied it up with a goal off of a corner kick in the 32nd minute. However, the Zips had another goal in the 43rd minute that turned out to be the difference in the game.
With the loss, SMU finished the season 15-3-4. The Mustangs will lose seniors John Lujano, Ida Camara, Danny McQuaid and Jacob Speed.
