DALLAS, TEXAS – The SMU Men’s Soccer team will host Florida International University on Friday for its first American Athletic Conference home matchup of the season.

In light of Family Weekend and Saturday’s “Iron Skillet” football game against TCU, a “Fry the Frogs” pep rally will precede the game. The rally will begin at 6 p.m. at Doak Walker Plaza; attendees will receive free admission to the soccer game, kicking off at 7 p.m. from Washburne Stadium and broadcasting on ESPN+.

The Mustangs opened conference play last Saturday on the road against the University of Memphis, narrowly falling 0-1 to a second half goal. SMU failed to find the back of the net for the second straight game, despite outshooting their opponents 37-17 in that stretch.

FIU, new to the AAC this season, will bring a tough matchup after opening their conference play with a commanding 3-0 victory last Friday over the reigning conference champs, the University of Tulsa. The win brought FIU’s season record to 4-2.

Despite SMU’s recent shortcomings, the team has had a strong season so far, compiling a 4-2-1 record including an unbeaten 3-0-1 record at home, tallying 13 goals in those four matches.

Players to watch on Friday include midfielder and captain Knut Ahlander – who leads the team with six goals – as well as winger Alexander Petraeus and goalkeeper Cole Johnson. All three players have recently received AAC weekly honors.

On Friday, SMU will be looking to build on its 7-2 historical record against FIU, in their first matchup since 2012. Adding to the win column will be vital for the Mustangs as they pass the mid-season mark, hoping to finish at the top of the AAC. Last year, SMU finished fourth in their conference (8-4-3, 5-4-1 AAC), reaching the semifinals of the AAC tournament.