SMU freshman Emmet Kumeh challenges Memphis player to ball. Teammate Juan Castillo, sophomore, sprints to assist Krumeh (Spencer J Eggers/The Daily Campus)
SMU men’s soccer team tied the Memphis Tigers 1-1 in their final exhibition game. On a scorching 100-degree day at Wescott Field, the boys managed to battle the heat and stay in the game.
The Mustangs were slow out of the gates at the beginning of the first period. Instead of holding a typical two-halved game, the officials decided to break the game into three periods due to the unbearable heat.
Possession wavered back and forth between the Mustangs and Tigers. Shots on goal were scarce in the first period.
There was a total of three shots in the first period made by the Tigers, and four made by the Mustangs.
It wasn’t until the second period the ball saw the back of the net. Tigers’ Lewis Ellis caught a loose ball in the box and sliced through SMU’s defense and scored. His shot lifted the Tigers 1-0 above the Mustangs.
The field wasn’t the only thing heated up by the second period as tempers flared and the officials made arguable calls.
“Some calls were a little more [in favor] of the other team, but at the end of the day you can’t blame the ref for everything that happens on the field,” SMU defender Diogo de Almelda said.
SMU gained possession back during the second period. Passes were connected and the ball movement was pushed forward. SMU forward Juan Castillo received the ball at the top of the box, spun around, and sent the ball hurling into the net putting the Mustangs neck at neck with the Tigers, 1-1.
“I think everyone was a little down because it was so hot and it took a little bit for everyone to get going, then we got scored on and then everybody wanted to check in,” SMU midfielder T.J. Nelson said.
The third period advanced leaving both teams to battle the heat one final time. In the third period players started off sluggish and more fouls were called. This round the Tigers had two shots on goal while the Mustangs had four.
“We need to work on coming out strong instead of getting scored on, then coming out strong. Next game we will come out with more energy,” Nelson said.
The final exhibition game ended in a draw, 1-1, leaving the Mustangs unsatisfied and ready for a victory in the season-opener.
“Here at SMU, we always want to win every game, no matter if it’s an official game or a preseason game. I’m definitely not satisfied with the result,” Almelda said.
SMU opens their season this Saturday at 7 p.m. on Wescott Field against NCAA No. 13 William and Mary.
Season tickets are now on sale for $24. Tickets can be purchased online at smumustangs.com.
