One down, three to go. The SMU men’s soccer team defeated FIU 6-0 yesterday in the first round of the C-USA tournament. The shutout, SMU’s 13th of the season, set a C-USA single game record for the number of goals scored.

C-USA Player of the Year Bruno Guarda and C-USA Defensive Player of the Year Jay Needham both scored goals in the first half. Sophomore Paulo da Silva also had a goal before halftime.

The Mustangs showed the Golden Panthers no mercy in the second half as sophomore Manuel Mariel put two goals into FIU’s net. Senior Jordan Mann celebrated his birthday by making the sixth and final goal of the game.

The Mustang offense brutally outplayed the Golden Panthers. Senior Chase Wileman had two assists and one shot on goal while sophomore Jeff Harwell and senior Dario Saintus each had three shots on goal. FIU goalkeeper Shawn Crowe made 13 saves, but the Golden Panthers’ offense failed to convert any of their 11 shots or three shots-on-goal into points.

The Mustangs are now 16-1-3 for the season. SMU’s victory ends FIU’s season. The Golden Panthers finished the 2006 season with a 6-10-2 record.

The win also advances SMU to the semifinal round where they will face UAB Friday at 5 p.m. in Tulsa. UAB is the only team that has beaten the Mustangs this season.